California is expensive, but I think New York is probably just as high, from what I've heard. One difference is that in California you need a car, in New York I guess you don't.

The best thing is always to try out a new place before you move there, of course. So if you could visit your relatives for awhile and really check it out, that would be a good plan.

It's been awhile since I got out of college, but I think most of the CA state colleges and UC universities cost a lot more for out-of-state residents than for CA residents, and it takes a few years to be considered a resident.

Also, there are a lot of differences in CA up and down the state, and there are a lot of different lifestyles. Might be a good idea to travel and visit SoCal, SF Bay area, Northern California, Central Coast, Sierras --- its all different and all great in it's own way.