ive lived in both for over 8 years each, about equivalent time.
and although the people and the overall communities in Nor Cal are better, I dont think there are many cities in the world that can touch how flawless San Diego is.
Los Angeles is not included in that. It and its surrounding areas are the reason why Nor Cal is better. But San Diego is the real fucking deal and ive never lived in a place where the quality of life is so high. No matter where, downtown, the outskirts, north county.. its ALL good... my years in the Bay couldnt even match it, and i LOVE the bay and will be a bay head for life.