You can easily go from UW to live in CA - that’s not really a con.
And passing up the opportunity to attend UCLA? I assume you are passing up the opportunity to attend many schools and many students will be at UW of various majors that passed up the opportunity to go to UCLA.
Big flagship = big flagship - they’re likely more alike than different - so while it might be better for you (only you can decide), I don’t think it’s better for the reasons you are insinuating.
That you have to find a way to make it happens sounds like your folks would strain - but ultimately it’s a family decision on how they want to spend their money.
But I can’t imagine your outcome / potential would be vastly different at one vs. the other.
Good luck…