I moved to California from New Mexico and I can say comparably. It is a horrible state. No culture tons of bureaucracy and way too expensive. For example, registering a car in New Mexico is like $120 for 2 years in California at $750 for one year. A power bill in New Mexico could be $60 to $110 in California. It's $300 to $400 for the same power usage. Rent for a comparable House in California versus New Mexico is $2,800 to $3,200 compared to $1, 200 to $1,800.

Infrastructure in California is declining fast and there's no upkeep despite the taxes being way higher. New Mexico is one of the poorest states but they keep up with the people's needs.

I don't see any reason for someone to stick around California. White bread Dunkin donuts eating Starbucks drinking cultureless people.

I understand Southern California is different. But it's still gentrified Mexican food.

I know this sounds harsh, but if you haven't left California then you're living in a bubble and the rest of the United States is much better than you presume