This California city ranks among the most livable in the US, study says. Why?
Looking for the best place to live in California?
While it’s no secret that the Golden State’s cost of living is higher than in most states, some cities rank among the “most livable metro areas” in terms of quality of life, according to RentCafe.
The apartment search website recently ranked 149 metropolitan areas based on cost of living, location, community and more to determine the most livable places in the country.
“The Midwest dominates all regions when it comes to overall livability, with six metro areas ranking in the top 20,” RentCafe said in an Jan. 3 article.
Washington, D.C., was the most livable spot in the nation due to its “focus on wellness, revitalization efforts and unmatched professional networking opportunities,” according to RentCafe.
Portland, Maine, ranked in second place, RentCafe said, “driven by a stable job market and countless cultural and culinary offerings.”
Which California city is the most livable?
Here’s what the study found:
Which California city has the best quality of life?
RentCafe included 16 California metropolitan areas in its 2026 Most Livable Metro Areas report.
One Bay Area city rose to the top as the most livable place in California.
San Francisco ranked highest among the Golden State’s metropolitan areas, with RentCafe describing it as “perfect for social butterflies chasing healthy living.”
“If your main priority is living your best life,” the rental properties site said, San Francisco is the top choice in California.
The metropolitan area, which is home to about 4.5 million people, ranked No. 33 overall out of 149 metropolitan areas nationwide.
San Francisco scored especially well for its quality of life, placing third in the United States.
However, the Bay Area city landed at No. 132 in terms of socioeconomics and No. 98 for location and community.
Where are most livable cities in California?
Several other California cities also ranked highly on RentCafe’s list of the most livable cities in the nation.
Santa Rosa ranked No. 43 overall, with a quality-of-life rank of 16, an economy rank of 108 and a location and community rank of 94.
Sacramento followed closely at No. 47 overall. The capital region ranked No. 13 in the nation for quality of life, No. 122 for economy and No. 96 for location and community.
Rounding out the list of the top five most livable cities in California, San Diego placed No. 55 nationwide, while Oxnard came in at No. 60.
What are top 10 most livable metro areas in US?
According to RentCafe, these were the top 10 most livable metropolitan areas in the country:
- 1. Washington, D.C.
- 2. Portland, Maine
- 3. Kansas City
- 4. Des Moines
- 5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
- 6. Albany, New York
- 7. Columbus, Ohio
- 8. Asheville, North Carolina
- 9. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- 10. Boise
How did RentCafe come up with its findings?
To measure livability, RentCafe focused on factors people consider when choosing where to live — from affordability and job stability to health care access, recreation and a sense of community.
The goal was to assess how well each metropolitan area supports residents’ overall quality of life and well-being, RentCafe said.
The study analyzed 149 metropolitan areas across the United States using 17 metrics regarding socioeconomic factors; quality of life; and location and community.
Together, the apartment search site said, these measures helped determine which places offer the best balance of opportunity, comfort and livability.
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "This California city ranks among the most livable in the US, study says. Why?."
