I can relate since this is something we have done. The difference is we did have to move somewhere else first and it took some convincing for him to stay. I agree that you will find consumerism everywhere but having lived in Southern CA, it is not as bad where we are. Many people I came into contact with as a teenager and young adult while in Southern CA, their focus seems to be on material things and looks. Where we are now, there is some of that, but not as much. Our kids are still young, so maybe we have not seen everything. What I did to get him to stay is we found a house he really loves. It's a beautiful home, very antimustachian, and we paid more than I would have liked to spend for a home here. However, it is cheaper than what we would have spent in Southern CA in a decent area. Now when I mention moving back, he looks at me like I am crazy! I would definitely sit down and see what your and his vision of how you'll spend your lives, when you'd like to retire, etc. See what that would cost where you are and see what it would cost you in other cities. Maybe browse some housing possibilities online based on your budget. Visit those cities before deciding on anything.
Good luck. Hope everything works out for you.