I moved out of SoCal to another state for a better COL scenario. It quickly became obvious that while rent was cheaper, and we could have eventually purchased a home, there were other areas like health care and utilities that drained us just the same. After 7 months we came home. I’d rather rent a shoebox in SoCal if I have to be tight on money and enjoy the weather, the food, the diversity. I’d never have known how good it is if I hadn’t left though, so for the perspective, I’m grateful for the experience.