Moving would be cheaper. 

Apartment professionals are always focused on $/sqft, but I have never met a tenant that rented a place because it was cheaper on a $/sqft. basis.

He said it won't be ready until about Tuesday.6/14: Went to Loews and found that I could get mid grade carpet and higher end pad cheaper with install than the local place.

I live in long Island not the cheapest place in the world but much cheaper then NYC (by square foot) and still able to get into NYC for school or work.

all good advice, sasha. but don;t give up. i know the california market is rediculously high, but you can still do it. you need to start small and work your way up. no one hits a home run their first time at bat. look for other places that are a little cheaper and work up from there. good luck

And from those south to Tacoma you'll find rents and prices generally cheaper. 

It's actually cheaper for us many times to replace the windows with these turnkey window companies than replace the glass and hardware!

I know as you mentioned classic cars are a big thing in our part of the country -- could  you start some sort of Guys/Car hangout - use the front office as a clubhouse - lots of old auto memorabilia there and in the warehouse (plus you'd have the fun of shopping for it), maybe install an automotive lift or two, great lighting - fire suppression system (would definitely make your insurance cheaper)? 

And found two other crews that are 10 times faster, do better work, and are actually cheaper to boot. 

Updates:We had 2 non-mail weeks while we interview local printersto find cheaper rates for our  letters.