affordable cities on the west coast/ socal

hey everyone, so i wanted to ask for some advice on where to move to after college. i'm from nyc, love the city but i've been here my whole life and never left the east coast. i want to move somewhere to the west coast like california arizona or nevada. i love hot (but not humid) weather and i want to continue living in a big city. my ideal place to live would be somewhere in southern california like san diego or santa barbara, that kind of feel, but somewhere more affordable. i was also thinking tucson or las vegas but i feel like they're more suburban areas and more isolated, but the lower cost of living compared to california is enticing. can anyone recommend me somewhere that has a reasonable cost of living, a dryer/ warmer type of climate, and is a big city? i also wouldn't be opposed to northern california bay area or other states such as oregon or colorado, but i would prefer suggestions in southern california (that wouldn't break the bank) thank you in advance!!