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Overall Rating: 72/100 · 1,450,000 veterans (3.9% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against California veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your California Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Fully taxed
0.76% average effective rate
$175,298 of value (≈$262,950 if low-income)
Requires 100% or TDIU. Exempts $175,298 of assessed value ($262,950 low-income, 2025). Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗Limited
VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92161
(858) 552-8585
Full service, Level 1 complexity, research programs
VA Medical Center
5901 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90822
(562) 826-8000
Full service, geriatrics, mental health
VA Medical Center
11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
(310) 478-3711
Full service, research, spinal cord injury
Tuition waiver
California resident veteran, income limits apply
4-year value: $56,000
Tuition support
All GI Bill users receive in-state tuition rates
Median Home
$905,000
1BR Rent
$2,400/mo
COL Index
146
Unemployment
3.9%
Major employers: Multiple Navy bases, Camp Pendleton, defense contractors, biotech
Pros: Best weather in nation, huge military presence, excellent VA, beaches
Cons: Extremely expensive housing, high taxes, high cost of living
Median Home
$510,000
1BR Rent
$1,600/mo
COL Index
124
Unemployment
4%
Major employers: State government, healthcare, Mather AFB (closed but area employs vets)
Pros: State capital, more affordable than coastal cities, VA hospital
Cons: Still expensive by national standards, hot summers, high taxes
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Qualifying veterans, veteran widows/widowers, and spouses of 100%-disabled veterans who pass a state civil service exam are certified in Rank 1 of the eligibility list regardless of score (a change from the old points system, effective Jan 1, 2014). Related military experience is credited as comparable state civil service experience.
Official source ↗CalVet outlines how veterans qualify for and apply to state jobs, including how to submit Veterans' Preference to CalHR so it remains on file for all future qualifying exams.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged California-resident veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or greater (or former POWs / Medal of Honor recipients) qualify for reduced-fee annual hunting and sport fishing licenses; the 2026 reduced fee is $10.54. Applicants prequalify by submitting a USDVA letter documenting honorable discharge and the 50%+ rating.
Official source ↗CalVet summarizes eligibility (honorable discharge, California residency, 50%+ service-connected disability during a qualifying wartime/operational period, POWs, and Medal of Honor recipients) for reduced-fee CDFW hunting and fishing licenses.
Official source ↗Veterans with a 100% USDVA disability rating (or qualifying mobility loss, loss of use of a limb, or permanent blindness from service) may obtain DV plates that exempt one qualifying vehicle from all registration and license fees, plus free parking at on-street metered spaces. Status is certified by a County Veterans Service Officer, CalVet, or the USDVA.
Official source ↗Eligible veterans can add the word 'VETERAN' to their DL/ID card after obtaining a Veteran Status Verification form from a County Veterans Service Officer and applying in person at a DMV field office; SB 837 eliminated the former $5 fee as of 2023.
Official source ↗CalVet operates eight Veterans Homes (Yountville, Redding, Fresno, Barstow, Lancaster, Ventura, West Los Angeles, and Chula Vista) offering care from independent living to 24/7 skilled nursing and memory care. Veterans who are disabled or age 55+ and California residents are eligible to apply; long-term care also extends to spouses/domestic partners and to surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients and former POWs.
Official source ↗Waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC campuses for eligible dependents, including the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran whose death was rated service-connected. Does not cover books, parking, or room and board.
Official source ↗The unmarried surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran (or of a veteran who died from a service-connected injury or disease) may claim the property tax exemption on their principal residence using Form BOE-261-G, with a basic (~$100,000) exemption and a higher low-income (~$150,000) exemption, both adjusted annually for inflation.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your California Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.