If you want to be able to score good weed, good price, good living, BC is your best bet. Can't help you out with the residence stuff, but I rent a one room apartment in Alberta(next to BC) for only $425 a month, that doesn't include food though, so what about, $500-$525 a month.

Why not just take a trip to BC or something instead of moving? Turns out you might not like it. It's rainy and the winters or nothing compared to sunny Cali. Take a trip there, check it out, check out all that info you need, score some nice weed, and if you like it, then make a perm. move. Good luck.