[Drew68]

I very recently read that San Diego is the most expensive city in CA to live in. I’m up north near SF and it’s still no picnic.

It's insane.

I'm only here because Uncle Sam gives out orders, not invitations.

Previously, I lived in Suffolk, VA, and Jacksonville, FL. I'm taking a major hit to my income, even after factoring the BAH increase.

I don't know how people live out here. A small, crappy home costs a million bucks. If you have four kids, as I do, I normal detached suburban home is simply not possible.

Everyone lives in apartments or condos and even those are crazy expensive. Before my family joined me out here, I was living by myself for five months in a 213 sq' apartment downtown (with a Murphy bed and a fold-up table) surrounded by homeless bums and great restaurants. I was paying $2100/month.

[SaxxonWoods]

The story for those cities used to be: “Yes, they are pricey, but they are such beautiful areas and have great culture and nightlife, etc.”
I don’t know what the heck they can say to save them now.