Is California living worth the costs and taxes?

[Zorro]

California’s seemingly lofty paychecks look relatively run-of-the-mill when considering the state’s costly lifestyle and tax burdens.

The annual “price parity” report from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis gives us a snapshot of relative differences among the 50 states in costs and incomes. My trusty spreadsheet reviewed the latest stats for 2023, which detail how expenses squeeze California’s incomes.

Look, it comes as zero surprise that California is the priciest place to live.

The state’s cost of living is 11.2% higher than the national norm, according to BEA math. After California came New Jersey at 8.2% above average, followed by Hawaii and Washington state at 7.9% and Massachusetts at 7.6%.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/12/20/is-california-living-worth-the-costs-and-taxes/

The answer to the thread title is: yes, absolutely!

I split my time these days between California and Florida, and if one can ignore the assholes that run Florida, the state can be a quite pleasant place to live -- although it is definitely getting more crowded and expensive. But when asked which state I prefer, the answer is always California.

[Bread and Circuses]

1. YES!!!

California is the Fifth largest economy in the world. In addition to tech, biotech, medical and scientific excellence…there is the beloved Central Valley which brings fresh and local produce to our tables.

And, the public higher education really leads the world. Both UC and CSU are powerhouses. The California Community Colleges provide access to adults , first-generation, etc.

Yes, it’s expensive. I have lived throughout the US, people to flock where there is jobs, cultural events, outdoor activities, etc.

We call it the sunshine tax, but really it’s far more.

[SWBTATTReg]

2. Yes, and when you compare what you get from states like Alabama, Mississippi, and other states kind of in the

dumps, the comparisons between Calif. and these states is not even close. No wonder Calif. is an economic powerhouse whereas these states in the southern tier of the US have seem to lose their way or insist on idiotic laws reminding all of us of Jim Crow, and other dumb laws.

There are parts of Alabama that do not meet this criteria or description, Huntsville, AL only because of a massive federal presence due to all of the space tech. etc.

[onecaliberal]

3. Born and raised. I'd only move to leave the country.

[2naSalit]

4. Nope...

I bailed decades ago and never regretted it. I can't see spending that much energy trying to keep up with the rat race just to have no time to enjoy anything, just working to pay for over priced lifestyle. I like my peace and quiet when I can find it, for me, it does not exist in California.

I'm glad the people there like it, 85% of my immediate family lives there.

[msongs]

5. worth it just to avoid the red scum nt

[usonian]

11. My place in the foothills is so quiet I can hear the owls fart.

It’s also the cheapest place to live in the state.

Haven’t seen my nearest neighbors in 6 months.

Lifestyle involves a lot of chain sawing.

Just sayin.

[2naSalit]

12. I tend to...

Do best when I'm around the 45th Parallel, south of that is a little too far south.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. There's more to anyplace than just

the cost and taxes. There are several states you could not pay me to live in, and some here would hate my favorites. I'll leave it at that.

[Pisces]

7. Florida is too hot and humid not to mention the craziest things happen in Fl. Ca. All the way if you can

Afford it.

[The Mouth]

8. Barely.

WAY too many damn regulations and laws; an incestuous relationship between our governor and PG&E and the CPUC and insane restrictions on natural gas. But I've lived here all my life, the good ol' days aren't coming back.

[YoshidaYui]

9. This California resident agrees

CALIFORNIA!

[Tikki]

10. Yes...we have been here most of our lives.

We are now Seniors moving slowly into the Elderly.
It is so comfortable here in all that matters. I can't imagine moving.

The Tikkis

[Auggie]

13. Our state taxes are virtually nothing

Property taxes could be considered high, but you get what you pay for.

And we have a lot of Democrats running things.

[Demovictory9]

14. The weather is mild. People are liberal. That makes it worthwhile

[ailsagirl]

15. YES!!