San Diego lifestyle is really a state of mind. I justify living in SD on the great quality of life we have here. But I know it’s very irrational. Human nature is very adaptable and we can always find ways to justify what we do.

I believe that one reason coastal RE prices are high is because of the high concentration of immigrants. Immigrants think that American RE prices are cheap in relation to wages.

San Diego prices aren’t bad compared to other places in the world. My friend in Tokyo lives in a tiny (but lovely) 1 bedroom that costs $900k. In Shanghai, the bubble is still going in on strong. People there don’t make that much but still manage to buy $200k apartments like hotcakes.