I was living in San Francisco on an after tax income of $500/week for most of 2010-2011. Prices are a bit higher now, but I think I could scrape by on that amount if I had to. I wouldn't want to though.
Yeah...I realize I'm in a privileged position but just pointing out that if you're in a position to F.I.R.E. that taxes in California are actually low to nil for <$50k/yr despite its reputation as a "high tax state."