Southern California is insane. I have 2 kids, 2 cats, and a dog. Sure, if I got rid of the animals (not going to happen) and found really bad apartments with rock bottom schools things would be cheaper but I dont know how anyone making under 100k could even move. The rent for the townhouse I want will be 3500 a month meaning just to move in will be 10,500 and then another 1500 in none refundable pet deposit. Besides weirdos like me who has cash like that for a townhouse?