Is Orange County any cheaper?

I think it is less about price and more about availability.

The Metrolink has been fairly-improved and more lines are actually being built to service more area. If everything you need to do is near one of their stations, I'd try to find cheaper housing out in an area close to one of those stations (Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Corona, etc.) I lucked out in that my job and home are very close to Metrolink stations, and if I'm on my e-bike I can just use the bike trail in the Santa Ana river and go home/get to work that way. I still drive because it is usually faster (and cheaper) than taking the train, but trains are an option.

Ha yes, always the freeways! That’s such a common thing 9 times out of 10 something looks too good to be true, it’s the freeway driving down the price.

I grew up in OC and it’s not bad, depending on where you are exactly and what your interests are.

Honestly, I don’t blame people that get up and leave for another state. But silly me, I’m not willing to leave my friends and family (and of course the weather).

I bought a fixer-upper house in Santa Clarita last year. If you don't mind being 20 minutes north of the valley it's a pretty awesome place and the prices don't bite (as much) like the rest of LA.