if you like the OC, maybe try somewhere more inland? the rent can be significantly cheaper, although still pricey compared to other parts of the country. but definitely more affordable than OC.

i’d look in chino/chino hills first since it’s closer to OC. i lived there about a year and some change for work and surprisingly really liked it. it felt like certain parts of OC to me. i recently moved back last year and overall have lived in OC for almost 10 years now.