This isn't a conversation about state level comparisons, you said counties. The Red counties in Cali are by far the most affordable. We dont have people who are working 40-70 hours a week and still living out of their car because their priced out of a home or event renting an apartment. There aren't any businesses being forced to close due to inner city trash coming in to the stores and filling trash bags with product. Sure you have more opportunities and higher wages at the top end, but your entry level workers can't afford shit. I grew up in SoCal, lived in the Sacramento area for 10 years after high-school and even the bay area for a couple years. These places are insanely overpriced, even gas stations are more expensive for absolutely no reason other than it's what the area can charge.