Pros and Cons of Living in California for UK Expats

California is often associated with sunshine, big cities, and a laid-back lifestyle, but deciding whether it is the right place to live involves more than just the postcard image. For people in the UK considering life on the west coast, the reality can feel quite different once day-to-day living, costs, climate, and work opportunities are taken into account.

At Pinnacle Removals, we regularly speak to individuals and families exploring what living in California would actually mean for them. While the state offers incredible landscapes, diverse food scenes, and strong career prospects in certain industries, there are also practical challenges to consider, including high living costs, housing competition, and the sheer scale of the state.

To help you decide whether California suits your lifestyle and expectations, we have broken down the main pros and cons of living there, giving you a clearer and more realistic picture of life in the Golden State.

Pro- Incredible Natural Landscapes

There are many people who love the idea of being surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and the good news is that California is definitely one of those places. The state is home to nine national parks, which is more than any other US state, meaning breathtaking scenery is never far away. Whether it is dramatic coastlines, vast deserts, towering mountains, or ancient forests, the variety of landscapes is one of California’s biggest draws.

Iconic locations such as Yosemite National Park, known for its granite cliffs and giant sequoias, and Joshua Tree National Park, where desert scenery meets surreal rock formations, are just a few examples. With thousands of miles of hiking trails and year-round outdoor access, living in California makes it easy to build an active lifestyle that is closely connected to nature.

Con- Traffic is awful

If you move to California, owning a car is almost essential for getting around. This is largely due to the sheer size of the state and the distance between residential areas, workplaces, and everyday amenities. Public transport exists in some cities, but for many people it simply does not offer the flexibility needed for daily life, especially when commuting to work.

Traffic congestion is one of the biggest frustrations, particularly in major urban areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Los Angeles regularly ranks among the worst cities in the world for traffic delays, with commuters often spending well over 100 hours a year stuck in congestion. Even shorter journeys can take far longer than expected, which is something many newcomers find challenging to adjust to.

Pro- There is Always New Food to Try

If you are a foodie, California is an exciting place to live, with an endless variety of cuisines influenced by cultures from all over the world. Fresh produce plays a huge role in everyday cooking here, thanks to California producing a large share of the fruit, vegetables, and wine consumed across the US. This focus on quality ingredients makes eating out, and even cooking at home, a real pleasure.

Major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are known for their wide range of international restaurants, street food spots, and high-end dining, although prices can be noticeably higher in these areas. That said, smaller cities and suburban areas still offer excellent local restaurants, farmers’ markets, and family-run eateries, meaning you do not have to live in a tourist hotspot to enjoy great food on a regular basis.

Con- High Cost of Living

While there are plenty of job and career opportunities in California, the expenses that come with daily life can be significant. Compared to many other US states, and the UK in some cases, California has some of the highest living costs in the country. According to official California population and housing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, housing costs and median rents across the state sit well above the national average, particularly in major urban areas. State income tax can reach over 13 per cent for higher earners, which is something many newcomers underestimate when planning their move.

Housing is one of the biggest expenses, particularly in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, where average rents and property prices sit well above the national average. Everyday costs such as groceries, fuel, healthcare, and utilities also tend to be higher, meaning that unless you are earning a strong salary, it can be difficult to enjoy everything California has to offer without feeling financially stretched.

Living in California can be a great fit for some households, but it is not always the best option for everyone. Families, in particular, may want to compare California with other destinations before deciding where to settle.

Pro- Consistently Warm and Sunny Weather

This is an obvious one. California is known for its reliable sunshine, particularly in southern parts of the state, where clear skies and mild temperatures are common for much of the year. For many people moving from the UK, this change alone can have a huge impact on day-to-day lifestyle and wellbeing.

Cities such as San Diego enjoy average daytime temperatures of around 20°C for much of the year, with very little seasonal disruption. This makes it easier to spend time outdoors, plan activities without worrying about the weather, and enjoy a more relaxed, sunshine-led way of life, which for many is reason enough to choose California.

Con- Dry Climate, Extreme Heat, and Wildfire Risk

While the sunshine is a major draw for many people, living with it year-round can be more challenging than expected. Extended periods of heat, particularly during the summer months, can feel draining, especially for those who are not used to consistently high temperatures. In inland areas, summer temperatures regularly climb above 35°C, making everyday tasks and outdoor activities more difficult.

California also experiences long dry seasons, with limited rainfall and ongoing drought conditions in many parts of the state. This dry climate has contributed to an increased risk of wildfires in recent years, particularly in regions such as Los Angeles County and parts of Northern California. For newcomers from the UK, adapting to the heat, water restrictions, and seasonal fire warnings can take time, and it is an important factor to consider when deciding whether California is the right long-term fit.

Pro- Strong Job Market and Career Opportunities

If you plan to continue working after moving to California, the job market is one of the state’s biggest advantages. California offers a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in industries such as technology, entertainment, and media. These sectors attract talent from all over the world and continue to drive strong demand for skilled professionals.

Areas around San Francisco and the wider Silicon Valley are well known as global hubs for innovation, home to major employers such as Google, Apple, Netflix, and Meta. The film and television industry also plays a major role in the state’s economy, particularly around Los Angeles, making California an appealing option for those looking to progress their careers in competitive, fast-moving industries.

Con- Finding a Place to Live is Tricky

Being able to find a place to live in California is not easy. Property prices are among the most expensive in the US, and rental costs can also be surprisingly high, even for smaller homes or apartments. As a result, many people find that their budget does not stretch as far as they initially expected.

This is especially true in popular cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where demand often outweighs supply. Competition for rentals can be intense, with properties being snapped up quickly, meaning flexibility on location, space, or commute time is often needed when settling into life in California.

Pro- A Positive Outlook on Life

It may sound strange to say that an entire state shares a similar outlook on life, but this is something many people notice after moving to California. Life often feels less rushed, with a stronger emphasis on balance, wellbeing, and making time to enjoy everyday moments rather than constantly chasing the next deadline.

This mindset is particularly noticeable in coastal areas such as Santa Monica, San Diego, and parts of Santa Barbara, where outdoor living, fitness, and socialising are part of daily life. Whether it comes from the weather, the surrounding nature, or the culture itself, many people find a sense of calm in California that can be hard to replicate elsewhere.

Is Living in California Right for You?

Living in California offers a mix of exciting opportunities and genuine challenges, and deciding whether it is the right fit depends largely on what you value most in day-to-day life. The state is known for its weather, landscapes, and career prospects, but it also comes with practical considerations that can shape your overall experience. If you are weighing up a move and want expert support with the logistics, Pinnacle Removals can help make the transition easier, with specialist services for those planning removals to the USA.

Before you make the move, you should understand the practical challenges involved with moving to the USA, as they are just as important as choosing the right location.

When it comes to the big move, you can make things all the easier for yourself by getting in touch with us here at Pinnacle Removals. We are able to help you make even the biggest move as easy as possible and allow you to start enjoying your life in the Sunshine State in no time at all.