Compare the States

People moving to California from other Countries, Net International Migration = 248,490. People moving to California from other States in the U.S., Net Domestic Migration = -80,952. That means after totaling all the people moving into California and then subtracting all of those who decided to Leave California you are left with a negative 80,952...MORE

Property.
The Bay Area's median home price in February was $485,980 as compared to the rest of the nation at $138,800. The average pretax income for a household of 2.5 people in California is only $4,216 more than the national average.

Food & Beverages.
Prices for food and beverages rose a startling 20 percent faster in the Bay Area last year than compared to the rest of the country and the Bay Area inflation is almost twice that of the national rate. The greater New York area, which includes Manhattan, fell below the national inflation rate by 23 percent.

Comparison costs by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

To Assist You in deciding if moving from California is the right choice
we have compiled a list of comparison sites so you can compare
salaries, housing costs, cost of living, schools and climates.

Compare Metro Area home costs and Affordability Ranking
including Median Family Income and Median Sales Price
Housing Opportunity Index: First Quarter 2001...courtesy of National Association of Home Builders

Salary examples:

If you lived in San Jose, Ca. and made $30,000 a year and you moved to
Las Vegas, Nevada you could maintain the same style of living and make only $17,838 a year.

If you lived in Los Angeles, Ca. and made $30,000 a year and you moved to
Phoenix, Arizona you could maintain the same style of living and make only $22,463 a year.

If you lived in Hayward Ca. and made $30,000 a year and you moved to
Saint George Utah you could maintain the same style of living and make only $19,463 a year.

The climate is the hardest thing to give up. California has the best year around weather. But many of our neighboring states also enjoy mild weather and you won't have to contend with the dreaded coastal fog banks.
"The worst winter I've ever experienced was a summer in San Francisco."

Cost of Living Calculator...courtesy of CNNMoney.com

THE SALARY CALCULATOR...courtesy of www.homefair.com

Find your own "Best Place to Live"...courtesy of www.bestplaces.net

Crime Statistics...courtesy of www.disastercenter.com

Read the advice of people who have already escaped California:
The California Escape Manual available at Amazon.com

When the time comes that you have decided on an area, or area's and you need reliable, current comparison information you can access and use the ACCRA Cost of Living Index. This is not a free service, but it is well worth the cost. The comparisons are in-depth and accurate covering many areas such as housing, health cost, groceries and more. Courtesy of http://www.coli.org/

NOTE: Before you get pissed off at the conditions you live here in California in and quit your job, pack up the family in the mini van and move, take some time visiting other States. Use your vacation time to explore other locations. Be sure to visit during the seasons you are most concerned with. If you hate cold weather and snow, visit them in the winter. But if it's the heat you despise, do it in the dead of summer.
Remember, statistics are fine but nothing tells you the real truth better than your own experiences.

Comparison calculations are derived from many combinations. Your particular situation may be different and the actual outcome may be greater savings or lesser. These comparisons are estimates and we suggest you do an in-depth investigation as to your own savings if relocated.