<p>A lot of it depends on your lifestyle. California as a whole is pretty expensive but there are affordable parts in the state as well... The Bay/Silicon Valley though are ridiculously expensive. Its possible to start a family for $60-70k, especially if your spouse will also be earning. For a combined income of just under 100k, you should be able to buy a house, afford a couple of cars, and get by. You probably won't be able to drive to work in a Porsche, or eat out at expensive restaurants everyday.
Also keep in mind that with the above-mentioned earnings you will be in MUCH better shape than the majority of Californians. The kind of lifestyle that most people want, however, would probably be accessible beginning around $200k a year, and thats simply unrealistic. Most people are happy living on a quarter of that.</p>