Cali pay rates Vs Cost of Living

[mustang_convt]

Hello fellow travelers!

I am about to end my first 13 wk assignment in Indiana. I am strongly considering going to California for my next contract as I already have the license and there is a big need for L&D nurses out there. Im finding pay rates to be comparable but the big difference is the cost of living. Seems Bakersfield and central Cali are much cheaper than Northern Cali therefore the same pay package will stretch a lot farther in central Cali. However-I have been offered two interviews in Northern California and don't want to turn them down on the CHANCE I may get a position in a town with cheaper housing.

I know they are hiring like crazy in Cali right now. One of the hospitals I am applying to just hired 12 travelers to their OB department in Santa Clara. Just wondering if any travel nurses that frequent this forum would be interested in sharing housing so we could profit a little more from the housing subsidy! Not knowing the area I almost think this is the one time taking the housing they offer may be a better financial move-unless I could find someone (or two someones even) to split rent/utilities with. I also considered posting an ad on Craigslist saying I was LOOKING for housing rather than sifting through people looking for roommates because I have heard of people being successful in that.

Anyways...if anyone has any suggestions on how to take advantage of a housing subsidy in a town where the typical cost of living is very high-Im all ears!

Thanks in advance

:)