I am currently in Santa Barbara.
Food is very reasonably priced here. Cars are fantastically priced!!
Houses are expensive in Santa Barbara. The home I am in is valued at $10,000,000 - $12,000,000 and would be around the same in Sydney on the harbor. The high end cost houses have missed the decline with GFC in this area as owners have either held or sold for their asking price.
Home interest can be locked in at under 3% here at the moment. I was watching car prices and many of the bigger brands here are being offered at 1% or lower interest charges. With 0% offered to clients who purchase with a good credit rating.
Would I live here...
.. Possibly if family moved, but it would be good to have a place in both locations - but which State...