Beer and wine is cheaper in CA. In fact its surprising that nearly everything from groceries to clothing are a pretty good deal. When it comes time to buy gasoline, pay the power bill or buy a house, you're screwed. I strongly recommend renting and waiting for real estate to tank if you plan to buy. It always does.
Something else about buying vehicles in CA. Almost everywhere I have ever lived, you paid sales tax on the net purchase after your trade. In CA you pay tax on the full sale, and whoever buys your trade, gets to pay the tax on that too. Registration is not expensive, but you pay property tax on vehicles, so high dollar cars and trucks cost a lot to get registered every year. There are good and bad things about anywhere you want to live, but on balance, CA gives you a lot back to sooth the soul. Enjoy it, and try not to stress the little things. Most of all, don't sit in a traffic jam ever...split lanes and go where you need to be. That makes it real easy to feel good.
