Additional Coverage:
- A millennial moved from California to Utah for a lower cost of living. A few months later, she’s hoping to move back. (newsbreak.com)
Kate M., a 33-year-old single mother-to-be and pharmaceutical professional, relocated from San Diego to Salt Lake City to combat the financial demands of rising living and childcare costs in California. Despite the more manageable expenses in Utah, Kate yearns for the vibrant cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and favorable climate she enjoyed back in San Diego and already has plans to return once her circumstances improve.
With a salary of $150,000, the cost of life in San themesate became unsustainable, especially with a child on the way. San Diego’s soaring childcare costs—which surpassed $2,500 a week—and substantial living expenses forced her to rethink her living situation.
She settled on Salt Lake City, drawn by its lower cost of living and the business and tech opportunities the city offers. Yet, she discovered that not all costs were lower—groceries, for instance, were similarly priced to those in San Diego.
Kate reminisced about her time in San Diego, where the proximity to the beach and the diverse food options offered a respite from her stressful life. However, despite her high income, the financial burden of housing and childcare, combined with her desire to maintain savings and retirement contributions, made staying in California untenable.
Furthermore, the Utah city, although safer and surrounded by natural beauty which provided recreational opportunities, lacked the cultural diversity and mild climate of San Diego. In Salt Lake City, she has secured a more affordable living arrangement and childcare but misses the community and lifestyle of Southern California.
Kate expressed a strong desire to return to California as soon as it’s feasible, encouraged by prospective salary increases and the introduction of free transitional kindergarten in the state by 2025, which promises significant financial relief. After experiencing life in both states, she feels a deeper connection to the lifestyle and values found in California.