You don’t need to be a real estate investor to know that housing on the West Coast is outrageously expensive.

The median rent in San Jose clocks in at a dizzying $3,064, according to Zillow. In San Diego, you can expect a median rent of $3,163, and in San Francisco? Prepare to cough up $3,350 to put a roof over your head.

Check Out: Cheapest Places To Buy a Home in Every State

Explore More: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup

The scariest part is that rents are actually a bargain compared to buying. If you wanted to buy a median home in San Francisco, you’d need a mountainous $1,292,126. That makes for a gross rent multiplier of 32.1, compared to a gross rent multiplier of just 14.1 nationwide.

So where can a middle-class family of four actually afford to live on the West Coast?

1. Salem, Oregon

Diego Anderson serves as a real estate expert with Clearsurance.com, and knows the West Coast well. “Salem is cheap relative to Portland but has good schools and family-friendly amenities,” he said.

Indeed, the city boasts a median rent of $1,475. That makes rents here 31.4% cheaper than the national average of $2,150.

“The city has parks, vineyards and rivers for outdoor fun,” Anderson explained. “There’s a big community vibe with lots of events for families, though the job market is still behind larger cities like Portland or Seattle.

“Yes, it rains a lot in the winter — bummer if you like sunny days. On the plus side, you live near Portland enough to enjoy the city without paying a fortune.”

Be Aware: 9 Major US Cities Where Buying a Home Is Surprisingly Cheap

Trending Now: Housing Market 2024: 50 Most Affordable Cities for Homebuyers

Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them.

2. Spokane, Washington

With a median rent of $1,495, Spokane offers another steal for West Coast housing.

“Spokane also has good schools and good healthcare,” noted Anderson. “Jobs are plentiful –especially in healthcare and education. Parks, a riverfront and lots of outdoor activities, like skiing and hiking, make it a fun town.

“As a potential downside, winters can be harsh with lots of snow, making it not ideal for everyone. Spokane is growing but smaller. Cities like Seattle or Portland have more cultural amenities and entertainment choices. The growth rate indicates a future to look forward to.”

Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, also spoke highly of Spokane. “It is the second largest city in the state of Washington, but it is significantly more affordable than Seattle in terms of housing and general living costs,” he explained. “So, while you are saving money on rent, due to the size of the city, you still have a vast selection of job opportunities, as well as a great variety of school options for your kids.”