SoCal and NorCal aren't as different as you'd think - having lived in both places and as one who spends a lot of time between them, I doubt there'd be much noticeable at all.

Now Central Valley life can be a lot cheaper than coastal life - no doubt about that. I have a vacation home in he Central Valley and everything we do here and for the home is cheaper. Painting, repair work, labor, gas, auto and boat repairs, everything.