Home visit to OC comparison

Hi all, I figure it's worth a chat since the holidays are taking a pause and we can chat a bit.

I'm originally from Orange County, moved to Seattle for work during Covid, and I'm currently at home visiting old friends and family for Thanksgiving.

I'm a bit shocked at price differences between Seattle and Orange County...and wanted to just hear everyone's opinions where it went so wrong for us...

1. Eating out - food is 15-25% cheaper here when eating out compare to Seattle...I had Pho from $12-$14, full entrees for less than $15, etc.

2. Definitely cheaper gas prices

3. When visiting Costco, the stuff I buy on a weekly basis are 15-20% cheaper, and alcohol is 50-60% cheaper compare to Seatttle...

Mind you, this is Orange County, not the midwest...

How did things go so wrong for us on affordability...?