
How do you compare your cost-of-living expenses prior to relocation
There are two ways to do this prior to making a final decision. The first would be put the question up on a forum, stating your average monthly income. You should get a fairly good idea from locals what you're up against.
The second way is to make use of cost-of-living comparison calculators. These allow you to see either what you're income needs to be to afford you the same lifestyle you currently enjoy and also tell you what you what you can expect to spend on a monthly basis.
Some additional factors to compare include the cost of housing and the mortgage rates.
http://www.payscale.com/cost-of-living-calculator/California-San-Francisco
http://banmilleronbusiness.com/blog/2009-10-24/cost-living

