Moving to California: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to California? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Sacramento
- Largest city: Los Angeles
- Population: 39,538,223 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Golden State
- Region: West
What to consider
- Where to live: Major cities include Los Angeles and the state capital Sacramento. See our California state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: California's west location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in California?
The largest city in California is Los Angeles, and the capital is Sacramento. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of California?
The 2020 census population of California is 39,538,223 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to California?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the California state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the California state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.