I live in the East Bay. My wife and I share a nice 1brdm apartment, its small but in a good area. Yes its expensive but California is honestly amazing. Mountains, oceans, forests, there is so much to explore. Also the bay area weather is great so I can bike to work every day (except when there are giant fires). Probably the biggest benefit is that both my wife and I can work in our specialized fields and if we want to switch jobs we don't have to move like we did last time when we lived in small town Eastern Washington.

I really miss the quiet cheap town but for now I'm pretty happy. If you surveyed me I still might say I want to leave but don't really have plans/better options. Nothings perfect but the bay area is pretty good.