cost of living has gone down a bit, 2-4 years ago, it was impossible. the main thing is, can you find a decent, stable job? if you have no car payments, credit card or other debt, you can probably find a $15/hr job and live out here on your own or near a college. There are always other people in your situation that are looking for roomates. I have friends that have lived with other students. There was 4-6 people in the house they rented and everyone just chipped in for rent, food, utilities.
it will be tough, to come out here with nothing, but I would recommend having some back up money, let's say a few thousand dollars, and find a job first then find where you are gonna live, once all that is planned out, then come out here. I think you'll love it. yea it's crowded in some areas, but the in socal, everything is within an hour drive. amusement parks, beaches, clubs, there's great weather, you can go skiing/snowboarding, fishing,............ and socal is the best place to be a fish keeper