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The median rent in San Jose clocks in at a dizzying $3,064, according toZillow.
In San Diego, you might expect a median rent of $3,163, and in San Francisco?
Prepare to cough up $3,350 to put a roof over your head.
The scariest part is that rents are actually a bargain compared to buying.
If you wanted to buy a median home in San Francisco, youd need a mountainous $1,292,126.
So where can a middle-class family of four actuallyafford to live on the West Coast?
Salem, Oregon
Diego Anderson serves as a real estate expert withClearsurance.com, and knows the West Coast well.
Salem is cheap relative to Portland but has good schools and family-friendly amenities, he said.
Indeed, the city boasts a median rent of $1,475.
That makes rents here 31.4% cheaper than thenational averageof $2,150.
The city has parks, vineyards and rivers for outdoor fun, Anderson explained.
Yes, it rains a lot in the winter bummer if you like sunny days.
On the plus side, you live near Portland enough to enjoy the city without paying a fortune.
Spokane, Washington
With a median rent of $1,495, Spokane offers another steal for West Coast housing.
Spokane also has good schools and good healthcare, noted Anderson.
Jobs are plentiful especially inhealthcare and education.
Spokane is growing but smaller.
Cities like Seattle or Portland have more cultural amenities and entertainment choices.
The growth rate indicates a future to look forward to.
Seamus Nally, CEO ofTurboTenant, also spoke highly of Spokane.
Medford, Oregon
Medford makes for another affordable option in the Pacific Northwest.
Median rents cost just $1,550.
For something smaller, visit Medford, recommended Anderson.
Medford is more affordable and slower-paced.
The weather is milder than northern Oregon, and the scenery is beautiful.
Jobs are scarce, though, and some amenities might require you to travel.
But the community is friendly, and local businesses and farmers markets are big here.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene boasts a median rent of $1,768, with a fun,slightly hippie vibe.
That makes it great for hiking, skiing and beach days.
Eugene also hosts many festivals, theaters and museums.
It also rains heavily here and job opportunities are scarce especially outside education.
But then theres the community, which is super welcoming.
Theres also a lot of sustainable living here, which is great if you like that.
Lodi, California
Lodi isnt cheap per se, with a median rent of $2,000.
But that still puts it $150 per month lower than the national average.
If you lovebig California red wines, you might know Lodi as the locus of zinfandel wines.
Final Thoughts
You dont need to be rich to live on the West Coast.
But you do need to do your homework to find the best bang for your rent bucks.
But you may have to make some compromises.
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