Retirement in California can be expensive. The Golden State is well known for its high cost of living, which can be at odds with a retiree’s fixed income. Californians hoping to enjoy their retirement without a strain on their wallets should consider going carless during their golden years — the average retiree pays nearly $4,000 annually on car insurance, maintenance, financing and gas. Thus, finding a walkable city that doesn’t require a car can add approximately $3,989 back to a retiree’s budget.
GOBankingRates recently performed a study in which it located a number of retirement hotspots across America that had high walkability and livability rankings, and affordable cost of living. Walkability scores between 10.51 and 15.25 indicate above-average walkability; scores between 15.26 and 20 indicate the most walkable cities. Additionally, GOBankingRates has now narrowed the scope of that study to California cities only.
For those retirees planning on settling in California and hoping to do so without the cost and baggage of a car, these cities offer easy walkability, high livability and comfortable costs of living.
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1. Millbrae, California
Cost of living (annually): $164,761
Cost of transportation index: 147.4
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2. Lafayette, California
Cost of living (annually): $153,026
Cost of transportation index: 123.8
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3. Mill Valley, California
Cost of living (annually): $162,474
Cost of transportation index: 122.4
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4. Los Altos, California
Cost of living (annually): $314,851
Cost of transportation index: 139.7
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5. La Palma, California
Cost of living (annually): $102,637
Cost of transportation index: 120.8
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6. Los Gatos, California
Cost of living (annually): $201,843
Cost of transportation index: 149.6
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7. Larkspur, California
Cost of living (annually): $180,789
Cost of transportation index: 121.7
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8. Piedmont, California
Cost of living (annually): $172,762
Cost of transportation index: 119.8
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9. Laguna Woods, California
Cost of living (annually): $61,431
Cost of transportation index: 112.5
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10. Newport Beach, California
Cost of living (annually): $291,896
Cost of transportation index: 110.8
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11. La Verne, California
Cost of living (annually): 158.4
Cost of transportation index: $90,762
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12. Petaluma, California
Cost of living (annually): 158.4
Cost of transportation index: $90,762
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13. Sonoma, California
Cost of living (annually): $93,286
Cost of transportation index: 108.6
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14. Sierra Madre, California
Cost of living (annually): $122,892
Cost of transportation index: 156.8
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15. Dana Point, California
Cost of living (annually): $148,807
Cost of transportation index: 116.3
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16. Scotts Valley, California
Cost of living (annually): $110,809
Cost of transportation index: 117.0
17. Solana Beach, California
Cost of living (annually): $189,662
Cost of transportation index: 118.5
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18. Orinda, California
Cost of living (annually): $155,489
Cost of transportation index: 129.4
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19. San Anselmo, California
Cost of living (annually): $132,786
Cost of transportation index: 127.6
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20. Monterey Park, California
Cost of living (annually): $91,137
Cost of transportation index: 159.6
Methedology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed retirement hotspots to find the best places to retire without a car. Using the U.S. Census 2024 one-year American Community Survey, the total population, population ages 65 and over, total households, median household income and mean household income were all sourced for this study. In order to qualify for this study, the city had to have a percentage of the population ages 65 and over or at least 20%. The cost-of-living indexes were sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and by using the national average expenditure costs for retired consumer units as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey for retired consumer units, the average expenditure costs can be calculated for each location. Using the transportation cost-of-living index for each city as well as the national average costs for various transportation-related expenses, the average cost of those services can be calculated for each city, showcasing an example of the savings someone can expect by not owning and driving a vehicle. The average single-family home value was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index and by assuming a 10% down payment and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage can be calculated. Using the mortgage and expenditure costs, the total cost of living for necessities can be calculated. The livability index was sourced from AreaVibes and used to determine the quality of life. The walkability index was sourced from the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Walkability Index and used to determine the ability to live without driving a car. The livability was scored and weighted at 1.00, the walkability was scored and weighted at 1.00. The scores were summed and sorted to show the best places in America to retire without a car. All data was collected on and is up to date as of Oct. 20, 2025.
Editor’s note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 20 Best California Cities To Retire Without a Car