As most of us Californians already know, living in this state can come at a high cost. Whether it is the cost of living (fuel, groceries, etc.), the cost of housing, or the arguably excessive fees and taxes. Our state has a bit of a known reputation for being anything but affordable compared to other states. This is a near universal truth in all our communities, whether you be a business owner, an employee, or even a politician!
California has seen more than its share of population loss compared to growth over the years undoubtedly, yet some of us still stay, and others continue to move here.
What is the sticker shock from those coming from other states into California like though? Of course, it does all depend on where you are coming from out of state, and to where you are moving to in state. But there are some interesting takes from those that have made the transition.
Business Insider recently did a piece on a family that moved from Atlanta, Georgia to the Bay Area outside suburbs. The family went over some of the expenses they had to endure and admitted that California is a bit on the expensive side.
For comparison, the new home rental for the family is $4,700 a month, for a 1300 square ft apartment in the suburbs, compared with less than half that for an owned home while they lived in Atlanta suburbs (which they sold for over $600,000). The family seemed settled with that though, citing that they didn’t need to worry about repairs as much – but that seems a bit short sighted and odd. What are you doing in a home where repairs alone are expected to cost you around $30,000 every year?
Grocery costs were also discussed and averaged out in comparison as being nearly 20% – 25% more expensive in our state than Georgia. Now, there are certainly some groceries or produce items that may be a bit cheaper, depending on the season and area, but this is a general sample. And we haven’t even gotten to discuss fuel and energy costs.
For the sake of brevity, let’s not even mention the fact that PG&E in our state is planning a price raise during the winter, and just focus on gas at the pump. Our state’s regular gasoline fuel prices are AT LEAST 40% MORE on average than a state like Georgia, and this is comparing a city like Atlanta to a city like Bakersfield. And we have gas and oil pumps and refineries here!
Also, it should be no surprise when we look at sales tax, and see that California has the highest sales tax rate in the country and is 3.25% more expensive than Georgia alone. Also, for brevity, let’s also note that our counties and cities like to add to that as well. (Does anyone really know where any of that money goes?)
Now, normally, moves from other states into California aren’t exactly lateral, however. People that influx into the state usually do so for higher wages and a better change of scenery. But even though you may be getting paid 50% more, that isn’t much solace when all your expenses go up just as much, not to mention trying to keep track of all the “nickel and diming” our state seems to love to do in the form of taxes, registration fees, licensing, and so much more. So, if you move to California with promises of a bigger paycheck, you may still find yourself having to budget more and scale way back.
California is a beautiful state, and in most cases the weather isn’t as nightmarish as it can be in other parts of the country. Ultimately, happiness and contentment are what you make of them, wherever and however you decide. Still, California leadership has a lot more to do if it wants to continue to attract more Americans than it loses every year, and it has a lot more to do for those of us that are still here.
