The California real estate market has long been known for its high property values and dynamic price movements. Using data from the Zillow Home Value Index as of December 12, 2024, we’ve analyzed the 25 most expensive housing markets in California, tracking their progression from 2010 through 2024.
This comprehensive analysis reveals not just current property values but also the remarkable price trajectories these cities have experienced over a fourteen-year period. From coastal tech hubs to inland population centers, each city tells its own unique story of growth and market dynamics. Below, we explore these markets in ascending order of their 2024 average home prices, starting with Redding and culminating with San Jose, which leads the pack with average home values exceeding $1.5 million.
#25 – Redding
The average home price in Redding as of 2024 is $366,052. Looking back through the years, home prices were $283,523 in 2020, $215,902 in 2015, and $188,031 in 2010. Over this fourteen-year period, Redding has seen a 94.68% increase in home values.
#24 – Chico
In 2024, Chico’s average home price stands at $388,326. The historical progression shows prices at $334,959 in 2020, $235,958 in 2015, and $209,110 in 2010. From 2010 to 2024, Chico experienced an 85.70% increase in home values.
#23 – Fresno
Fresno’s average home price in 2024 is $396,457. Looking back, prices were $278,109 in 2020, $198,777 in 2015, and $168,032 in 2010. The city has seen a substantial 135.94% increase in home values from 2010 to 2024.
#22 – Madera
In 2024, Madera’s average home price is $407,500. The historical data shows prices at $282,137 in 2020, $200,169 in 2015, and $139,216 in 2010. Madera has experienced a dramatic 192.71% increase in home values since 2010.
#21 – Merced
Merced’s average home price in 2024 is $414,772. Previous years show prices at $292,643 in 2020, $194,172 in 2015, and $126,614 in 2010. The city has seen one of the largest increases in the dataset, with a 227.59% rise in home values since 2010.
#20 – Yuba City
The 2024 average home price in Yuba City is $425,624. Looking back, prices were $313,416 in 2020, $207,721 in 2015, and $142,673 in 2010. The city has experienced a significant 198.32% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#19 – Eureka
Eureka’s average home price in 2024 is $428,296. Historical data shows prices at $389,087 in 2020, $295,443 in 2015, and $307,337 in 2010. Interestingly, Eureka has seen the smallest increase among the cities listed, with a 39.36% rise since 2010.
#18 – Modesto
In 2024, Modesto’s average home price stands at $465,917. Previous years show prices at $337,959 in 2020, $232,510 in 2015, and $151,104 in 2010. The city has experienced a substantial 208.34% increase in home values since 2010.
#17 – Ukiah
Ukiah’s average home price in 2024 is $501,319. Looking back, prices were $486,377 in 2020, $363,473 in 2015, and $309,675 in 2010. The city has seen a 61.89% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#16 – Stockton
The 2024 average home price in Stockton is $538,829. Historical data shows prices at $399,626 in 2020, $274,076 in 2015, and $174,905 in 2010. Stockton has experienced a remarkable 208.07% increase in home values since 2010.
#15 – Sacramento
Sacramento’s average home price in 2024 is $576,796. Previous years show prices at $438,448 in 2020, $321,621 in 2015, and $240,011 in 2010. The state capital has seen a 140.32% increase in home values since 2010.
#14 – Riverside
In 2024, Riverside’s average home price is $582,039. Looking back, prices were $385,869 in 2020, $285,570 in 2015, and $195,463 in 2010. The city has experienced a substantial 197.77% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#13 – Vallejo
Vallejo’s average home price in 2024 stands at $585,798. Historical data shows prices at $462,530 in 2020, $330,953 in 2015, and $217,934 in 2010. The city has seen a 168.80% increase in home values since 2010.
#12 – Truckee
The 2024 average home price in Truckee is $612,073. Previous years show prices at $478,247 in 2020, $373,645 in 2015, and $325,260 in 2010. Truckee has experienced an 88.18% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#11 – Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa’s average home price in 2024 is $797,799. Looking back, prices were $655,570 in 2020, $507,213 in 2015, and $388,225 in 2010. The city has seen a 105.50% increase in home values since 2010.
#10 – Salinas
In 2024, Salinas’s average home price stands at $832,613. Historical data shows prices at $596,021 in 2020, $431,663 in 2015, and $331,799 in 2010. The city has experienced a 150.94% increase in home values since 2010.
#9 – Oxnard
Oxnard’s average home price in 2024 is $872,608. Previous years show prices at $627,751 in 2020, $507,849 in 2015, and $428,515 in 2010. The city has seen a 103.64% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#8 – San Luis Obispo
The 2024 average home price in San Luis Obispo is $883,852. Looking back, prices were $627,507 in 2020, $494,185 in 2015, and $387,257 in 2010. The city has experienced a 128.23% increase in home values since 2010.
#7 – Napa
Napa’s average home price in 2024 stands at $892,526. Historical data shows prices at $704,183 in 2020, $542,730 in 2015, and $389,032 in 2010. The city has seen a 129.42% increase in home values since 2010.
#6 – San Diego
In 2024, San Diego’s average home price is $938,982. Previous years show prices at $615,951 in 2020, $469,593 in 2015, and $368,539 in 2010. The city has experienced a 154.78% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#5 – Los Angeles
Los Angeles’s average home price in 2024 is $944,589. Looking back, prices were $660,928 in 2020, $504,698 in 2015, and $405,638 in 2010. The city has seen a 132.87% increase in home values since 2010.
#4 – Santa Maria
The 2024 average home price in Santa Maria is $969,656. Historical data shows prices at $616,356 in 2020, $507,002 in 2015, and $427,993 in 2010. The city has experienced a 126.56% increase in home values since 2010.
#3 – San Francisco
San Francisco’s average home price in 2024 stands at $1,140,878. Previous years show prices at $936,706 in 2020, $701,457 in 2015, and $478,646 in 2010. The city has seen a 138.36% increase in home values over the fourteen-year period.
#2 – Santa Cruz
In 2024, Santa Cruz’s average home price is $1,141,699. Looking back, prices were $830,161 in 2020, $645,275 in 2015, and $500,755 in 2010. The city has experienced a 128.00% increase in home values since 2010.
#1 – San Jose
San Jose tops the list with an average home price of $1,575,914 in 2024. Historical data shows prices at $1,111,355 in 2020, $796,888 in 2015, and $515,344 in 2010. The city has seen a dramatic 205.80% increase in home values since 2010, making it one of the most expensive housing markets in California.
