Living in California: the ultimate expat guide

California's job market remains one of the most dynamic in the world, driven by a diverse economy that spans technology, entertainment, healthcare, agriculture, and international trade. The state's unemployment rate of 5.6% (September 2025) reflects a competitive but opportunity-rich labor market, particularly in high-demand sectors.

Key Industries and Employers

The technology sector dominates California's economy, with Silicon Valley serving as the global epicenter of innovation. Major employers include Apple (164,000 employees worldwide), Google, Meta, Nvidia, and thousands of startups. Beyond tech, the entertainment industry centered in Hollywood employs hundreds of thousands in film, television, and digital media production. Healthcare is the state's largest employer by sector, with over 2.6 million workers, followed by retail trade (2.5 million) and professional services (2.1 million).

Work Permits and Visa Requirements

International workers typically require an H-1B specialty occupation visa to work in California. As of September 2025, new H-1B petitions require an additional $100,000 payment under presidential proclamation, significantly impacting employer sponsorship decisions. The H-1B visa requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent and a job offer in a specialty occupation. Alternative pathways include the L-1 intracompany transfer visa, O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and E-2 investor visa for treaty country nationals.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, USAFacts

California hosts some of the world's most prestigious universities and offers international students exceptional academic opportunities across diverse fields. The state's higher education system includes the University of California (UC) system, the California State University (CSU) system, and numerous private institutions of global renown.

The University of California System

The UC system comprises 10 campuses, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC San Francisco. These research-intensive universities are consistently ranked among the world's best. For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-resident undergraduate tuition stands at approximately $34,200 annually in supplemental fees, plus base tuition of around $14,500, bringing total tuition to approximately $48,700 per year. Total cost of attendance, including housing and living expenses, ranges from $70,000 to $85,000 annually.

California State University and Private Options

The CSU system offers more affordable pathways, with international student tuition averaging $18,000-$20,000 per year. Schools like Cal State Fullerton, San Diego State, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo provide strong programs in business, engineering, and sciences. Private universities such as Stanford University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and the University of Southern California (USC) offer world-class education with tuition exceeding $60,000 annually.

International students must obtain an F-1 student visa and demonstrate sufficient financial resources. Most universities require TOEFL (minimum 80-100 iBT) or IELTS (minimum 6.5-7.0) scores for admission.

Sources: University of California Admissions, California State University

California attracts retirees with its exceptional climate, cultural amenities, and healthcare infrastructure, though the high cost of living requires careful planning.

Why Retire in California

The state offers year-round mild weather, particularly in coastal and Southern California regions. Cities like San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs are popular retirement destinations offering outdoor activities, cultural events, and vibrant communities. California's healthcare system includes world-renowned medical centers such as UCLA Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center, and Cedars-Sinai. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, though other retirement income is subject to state income tax up to 13.3%.

Financial Planning and Visa Considerations

International retirees without U.S. citizenship face visa challenges, as there is no specific retirement visa for the United States. Options include investing in a business through an E-2 visa (for treaty country nationals), maintaining ties to an employer via L-1 transfer, or pursuing family-based immigration. The average total retirement income in California is approximately $62,843 annually, combining retirement accounts and Social Security.

Retirees should budget for higher healthcare costs than many other countries, with Medicare available at age 65 for eligible individuals, supplemented by private insurance. Property taxes remain relatively stable due to Proposition 13, which limits annual increases to 2% on assessed value.

Sources: California Franchise Tax Board, Medicare.gov

California offers diverse educational options for expat families, from excellent public schools to international and private institutions. Understanding the system helps parents make informed decisions about their children's education.

Public School System

California's public schools serve over 6 million students across more than 1,000 school districts. Public education is free for all residents, including children of visa holders. School quality varies significantly by district, with top-rated districts in areas like Palo Alto, San Marino, Irvine, and La Jolla. Parents can research school ratings through GreatSchools.org or the California Department of Education. Enrollment requires proof of residency, immunization records, and age verification.

International and Private Schools

For families seeking continuity with home country curricula or bilingual education, California offers numerous international schools. The International School of San Francisco provides French-English bilingual education with tuition around $35,900-$60,000 per year. The Lycée Français de San Francisco follows the French national curriculum and prepares students for the French Baccalauréat or International Baccalaureate. In Los Angeles, the International School of Los Angeles (LILA) offers French-American education from preschool through 12th grade.

Other notable options include British International School of Los Angeles, German International School of Silicon Valley, and numerous American private schools with tuition ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 annually. Many schools offer financial aid to qualifying families.

Sources: California Department of Education, International Schools Database

Finding housing in California presents both opportunities and challenges for expats. The state's housing market is among the most expensive in the nation, but understanding the landscape helps newcomers find suitable accommodation.

Rental Market Overview

Renting is the most practical option for new arrivals, allowing time to explore neighborhoods before committing to a purchase. As of 2025, average rents across California stand at approximately $2,200 for a one-bedroom and $2,627 for a two-bedroom apartment. However, costs vary dramatically by location. In San Francisco, expect to pay $2,600-$3,500 for a one-bedroom; in Los Angeles, around $2,200-$2,900; while Sacramento offers more affordable options at $1,600-$1,800 for similar units.

Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods

Popular areas for international professionals include San Francisco's Marina and Nob Hill districts, Silicon Valley cities like Palo Alto and Mountain View, Los Angeles neighborhoods such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Pasadena, and San Diego's La Jolla and North Park areas. Most landlords require first month's rent plus a security deposit equal to one or two months' rent. Be prepared to provide proof of income (typically 2.5-3x monthly rent), credit history, employment verification, and references. Non-residents may need to pay several months upfront or find a co-signer.

The median home sale price in California reached approximately $909,400 in 2025, making homeownership a significant investment requiring annual household income of around $221,000 to qualify for a mid-tier mortgage.

Sources: Apartments.com, California Legislative Analyst's Office

California offers an extraordinary range of cultural, recreational, and entertainment experiences that make life here uniquely rewarding for expats.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Los Angeles anchors the global entertainment industry, with Hollywood studios, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Getty Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) drawing millions of visitors. San Francisco boasts the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, and a legendary live music scene. Professional sports include the LA Lakers and Clippers (NBA), LA Dodgers and SF Giants (MLB), LA Rams and SF 49ers (NFL), and LA Galaxy and LAFC (MLS).

Outdoor Recreation and Nature

California's natural beauty is unparalleled. Yosemite National Park offers world-famous climbing, hiking, and waterfalls; Lake Tahoe provides skiing and water sports; and hundreds of miles of coastline feature beaches for surfing, swimming, and relaxation. The Napa and Sonoma wine regions welcome visitors year-round, while Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks offer desert adventures. Weekend hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, cycling along Pacific Coast Highway, and surfing at Malibu or Huntington Beach are quintessential California experiences.

The state hosts major events including the Coachella music festival, San Diego Comic-Con, the Rose Parade, and countless food and wine festivals celebrating the region's culinary excellence.

Adapting to daily life in California involves understanding transportation options, cultural norms, and practical considerations that shape the expat experience.

Getting Around

California is predominantly car-centric, with most residents relying on personal vehicles. Major cities have public transit options: BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) serves San Francisco and the East Bay with fares from $3-$15 depending on distance; LA Metro offers buses and rail lines with a base fare of $1.75; and San Diego's MTS provides trolley and bus service. However, many suburbs have limited public transit, making a car essential for most residents.

California driver's licenses require passing written and driving tests. International driving permits are valid for tourists but residents must obtain a California license within 10 days of establishing residency. Car insurance is mandatory, with average annual premiums around $2,115—among the highest in the nation. Gasoline prices average $4.38 per gallon, significantly above the national average.

Lifestyle and Cultural Adaptation

Californians embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle. Expect a casual dress code compared to many international business cultures, though professionalism remains important. The state's diversity means you'll find communities from virtually every country, ethnic restaurants and grocery stores, and cultural organizations to help maintain connections to home. Tipping is customary: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for personal services. Most retail shopping occurs at large stores open seven days a week, with many operating 24 hours.

Sources: BART, LA Metro

California's cost of living is approximately 45% higher than the national average, with housing being the primary driver. Understanding typical expenses helps expats plan their budgets realistically.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

The following table outlines estimated monthly expenses for a single professional living in a major California city:

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Families should expect significantly higher expenses, particularly for housing and education:

Sources: Numbeo, RentCafe, California LAO