You can do a home search for both areas and get an idea of what homes sell for in those 2 areas. That can help with figuring out the cost of living aspect. Go to AAA or log on to the tourism/chamber of commerce for each area to find out about cultural aspects. If you have kids,get local school info(scores on tests,teacher/child ratio,etc) in those 2 areas. I guess it boils down to what is really important factors:cost of living,climate,culture,education or whatever. Good luck!

Heidi