IM ji, Federal tax should be the same whenever you go. In California you have to pay California disability insurance which is good in case you loose your job and of course state tax like other state except only 5 or 6 states. 65K not bad. You can live in cheap area in orderto avoid high cost of living. Food cost would be similar to other states. Sales tax range from 7.25 % to 8.75 % depends upon cities and county. Gasoline may be expensive than some states. I am living here in LA for one year. For me , cost of living is not that much different than my previous state ( east coast). If you want to buy house.. that is expensive.. i mean real expensive. One thing for sure WEATHER IS FANTASTIC. Welcome.