But it can buy other things :) Something everyone told me before moving was how expensive California was in every aspect. In case you're interested, here are a few things I've spent money on in the past couple weeks if you'd care to compare.
Movie ticket to Harry Potter: $12.50
One gallon of gas: $3.79
Skinny grande iced carmel latte w/ a smidge of hazelnut: $3.55 (one point away from a gold card!)
Gala apples: $1.79 lb
Sara Lee 100% whole wheat bread: $4.29
Toll Road: $2.75 (although unlike Chicago they actually keep the roads up here!)
Typically renting a place by myself would cost around $1100. I found myself a much better deal ;)
A full day at the beach: $6 for parking
Pageant of the Masters (I'll write about this fantastic event in a later post!) A deal at $15 (wowzers!)
Pinkberry: $4.25
Season pass to Disneyland: $30/month (this hasn't been purchased but it is being contemplated!)
More or less I can fill my day with lots of fun things to do for minimal cost. This is called getting creative. When it is a constant 75 degrees outside with a light breeze and sunny, you can make anything work!