There are a lot of people who want to make a hobby of lambasting people who live in California. Screw them.
Here's something to consider:
It costs more, but if you like California it's worth it. I pocket 60-70K a year more having left, but being able to throw on flip flops and shorts to walk the dog in the morning? Being able to walk to the beach and put my long board on a bike and ride to my surf?
Priceless.
I'm saving and investing like a lunatic so I can buy a winter home there.