How Expensive is California? (Compared to AZ?) (San Diego, San Jose: sales, 2010)

[KarmaPhx]

After a few hours of talking with the fiance, we have decided we want to relocate to somewhere in CA around March 2010. We are a couple in our early 20's and are looking for a place with a good nightlife, not to ghetto, near the beach (30mins), and would be warm enough to go to the beach most of the spring/summer.

We have been doing a lot of research but can't really decide on where to live, the major issue money since we are really unsure of the cost of living compared to Arizona, I know the rent is higher, but does that coincide with the job pay?

I would like to live within a 30 minute drive of the beach, closer is better obviously.

I work in the hotel business and plan on transferring, I make around $12/hr right now so I am not sure if the same position pays more there or not. She makes about the same, we bring in around $2000-$2500 a month. With our current pay, we could afford $800-$1100 a month for rent.

We are considering a few ares such as San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura Area, and a few others, but we really have no idea where to start.

[Snort]

When I lived in Avondale, AZ a few years back, I rented a nice new house for $900 a month. I currently live in Capitola and pay exactly twice that figure, have an a-hole for a landlord and the house is a frickin' relic.
I love the coast, but you certainly get much more for your money elsewhere.

[18Montclair]

According to Forbes, San Jose and San Francisco are both among the most affordable places for families. San Jose ranking 1st in fact when weighed against other metros. Who knew?

Sometimes we forget that most expensive and least affordable are two different things.

America's Best And Worst Cities For Families - Forbes.com

[KarmaPhx]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

According to Forbes, San Jose and San Francisco are both among the most affordable places for families. San Jose ranking 1st in fact when weighed against other metros. Who knew?

Sometimes we forget that most expensive and least affordable are two different things.

America's Best And Worst Cities For Families - Forbes.com

Unfortunately I don't want to live in either of those cities. I love the bay area but it's too cold to enjoy the water. I like to longboard, and I plan on learning how to surf.

[esmith143]

Is that 2000-2500 each or together?

You can get a 1-bedroom in a good part of San Diego for 1100/month. Leasing office will probably expect gross income > 3x rent, and ask for proof of income.

[KarmaPhx]

Originally Posted by esmith143

Is that 2000-2500 each or together?

You can get a 1-bedroom in a good part of San Diego for 1100/month. Leasing office will probably expect gross income > 3x rent, and ask for proof of income.

That is combined, but we are hoping it should be a little higher from what we have seen, the positions out there pay a little more.

[christopherderek80]

It’s depending on your city and area selection. On an average living coast in CA is little higher than AZ.

[KarmaPhx]

Would I have a hard time finding a decent 1bd for around $900?

[bayarea-girl]

Hopefully, the market will turn by the time you move. I think rents will continue to be down by that time. But listen, there are some people that live off of that kind of money in CA I'm not sure who they may be but that is NOT enough money. You will be living in a dump and or no where close to the beach for your desired rental amount. Landlords do want to see at least 3x's as much of $$ that you make it is a rule of thumb. When people say that it costs a lot to live here it does, the sales tax is 9.5%, gas is sky high (at least not as high as it was last year but I won't hold my breath that it won't go up), and food is so expensive if you don't know where to shop. You should also have a lot of money saved up as well. I really don't mean to sound so negative but if I were you I'd stay in AZ you guys have it good there right now. Most people that move here start off going to the beach often but when reality sets in and they have to work more just to pay the bills the water is less visited and then you begin to think the water is overrated you could have just made a visit to CA to get your ocean and CA fix. CA is a mess at this time I wouldn't move here at this time.

[f_m]

Originally Posted by 18Montclair

According to Forbes, San Jose and San Francisco are both among the most affordable places for families. San Jose ranking 1st in fact when weighed against other metros. Who knew?

Sometimes we forget that most expensive and least affordable are two different things.

America's Best And Worst Cities For Families - Forbes.com

In the article it assumes you will be making a higher end salary, or at least what might be typical for a college educated person with some experience. "...families residing in San Jose, including scores of Internet and technology professionals, earn a median $100,000 per year." Not everyone is a Internet/technology professional, and I would consider 100k to be middle class or lower at the cost of living they are talking about, a 55k budget, this is not including taxes, so in truth 100k is closer to 70-80k with 55k in costs.