According the Federal Reserve the median income in 2022:
California: $85,300
Florida: $65,300
California remains the 5th largest economy in the world!! California is only behind the ENTIRE US, China, German and Japan. If Cali was its own country it would rank ahead of Russia, England, Italy, Spain, Canada, etc.
The pay rates in Cali are a more (30%) than here in Florida BUT the cost of housing and the cost-of-living reflects that. Yes--if you move from a state like California, New York, Massachusetts, etc. were you were paid a lot more money (and the homes cost/sell for more) and you move to Florida--it will be cheaper.
I suggest that you earn your income/retirement somewhere else and RETIRE to a Right-to-Work (RTW) state where the wages and housing is considerably cheaper. The workers here are paid less so our costs will be a lot less. You can enjoy your well-earned retirement. There are other RTW states that are likewise great places to retire such as Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Idaho, etc.
Right-to-work law - Wikipedia
Consider all your options...
