I’m going to be a contrarian in this case. If you have a high GPA in your community college in San Diego, you may get noticed by your instructor. Which would help in your future transfer plans if LORs are needed.
As the cliche goes, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. As noted, Silicon Valley is going to be expensive rent wise and there are very few apartments in West San Jose and Cupertino with reasonable rents. Sunnyvale might be the cheapest alternative, but it’s pretty expensive there as well.
Also don’t think that your classmates in San Diego don’t care about their academics. A lot of them are working adults with family to support/military and for them they need to balance school and life. You’re a full-time student so school is your job and you have the time. Imagine an active duty marine/sailor trying to balance school with a potential overseas deployment to a combat zone.