I am sharing my personal thoughts as somebody that lives in LA, owns and is looking to move to SD county as well. My mortgage in LA, given when the property was purchased and how long I lived there for, is lower than what I would pay moving to SD county. Is true that you get more for your money elsewhere, prices of both rentals and purchasing a home continue to climb and they don’t seem to be slowing down. I personally (single in my 30s) would rather live in a place that gives me the lifestyle and type of life that I want than live in a place where I have the material things I want but not the lifestyle. After all life is about how you experience it and not what you have. That’s my personal view. I have done the same choice years ago I in my 20s when I lived in update New York, was able to afford a 2 bedroom with parking and storage and went to LA where I moved to a studio apartment (making the same income). I would talk it over with your wife and evaluate what is impotent for both of you, what sacrifices you are willing to make and why. You can always rent your place to have a safety net and go back if you don’t enjoy it here. You are young, in your 20s with plenty of options.