Try this CNN Money cost of living calculator -
http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/costofliving/costofliving.html) It shows that for someone living in Des Moines, IA (the heart of the midwest) at $60,000 you would need an equivalent of almost $100,000 a year to live the same lifestyle in LA.
Maybe you should consider Corpus Christi, TX. You need less money to live the same lifestyle as in Des Moines and you get the beaches, the climate and the babes during spring break every year.
Salary in Des Moines IA:
$60,000
Comparable salary in Corpus Christi TX:
$57,855.04
If you move from Des Moines IA to Corpus Christi TX...
Groceries will cost: 7.735% less
Housing will cost: 6.1% less
Utilities will cost: 1.577% less
Transportation will cost: 2.848% more
Healthcare will cost: 3.123% less