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Overall Rating: 72/100 · 1,450,000 veterans (3.9% of population)
Fully taxed
0.76% average effective rate
Up to $161,000
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
Most veterans considering California for relocation pair this with one of these next steps:
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Quick calculator
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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