Ok, before you say “But Washington, D.C….” — I know. It’s the worst in terms of buying power. But let’s talk about California. You know, the state with the so-called “4th Largest Economy in the World,” as Gov. Greaseball (a.k.a. Gavin Newsom) loves to remind us. And yet, the buying power of $100 in California? A whopping $87.50.

Fantastic, right? Especially considering that as of May 24, 2025, California holds the prestigious title of highest average gas prices in the U.S. — a glorious $4.85 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.19. That’s not all. Add in a vehicle registration cost ranging from $250 to $480 per year, plus an average car insurance bill of $252/month, and you’re already bleeding money just to own a car.

So maybe it’s the cost of living in paradise? Wrong again.

🏠 Housing Hell

California ranks second in median home prices — just behind Hawaii (you know, a literal island chain with finite land). Think renting will save you? Nope. California is the 4th most expensive state to rent in, with average rent soaring above $2,600/month. And let’s throw in utilities — ranked 18th in the nation — costing about $437/month.

🍞 Food for Thought (and Bankruptcy)

You’d think with all that farmland, groceries would be cheap. Wrong. California ranks 3rd most expensive for groceries in the U.S., averaging $322 per person per month — right behind Alaska and Hawaii. The so-called “salad bowl of the world” can’t even feed its people affordably.

💵 What Does It All Add Up To?

If you own a home in California, your average yearly expenses sit around $47,280. Renting? Try $73,542/year. That’s nearly a $30,000 difference, just for the “privilege” of not owning a home you likely can’t afford anyway.

Sure, the average income is $86,500 (6th in the U.S.), but don’t let that number fool you — because that higher salary is quickly devoured by the skyrocketing cost of living.

🏔️ Recreation? It’ll Cost You.

Want to enjoy the “you can surf and ski in the same day” California myth? Be prepared to pay $1,500–$3,000 a year for a decent ski season. That’s for 10 days of skiing. Add a few surfboards and parking fees, and suddenly Colorado looks like a bargain.

🔻 Crime, Classrooms, and ER Chaos

If the prices didn’t scare you off, how about this:

• 7th highest crime rate in the U.S.
• 32nd in public school performance
• 11th longest ER wait times — at 3 hours and 6 minutes

But hey — sunsets, right?

🚪 The Great Escape

So is California still the “Golden State”? Not for 1.46 million people who left between 2020 and 2024. And over 4 million residents have left in the last 24 years — more than any other state. California leads the nation in outmigration.

❓So What’s the Point?

Here it is: If you wouldn’t live in California, why would you want to elect California? Because that’s exactly what’s on the ballot if Gavin Newsom tries to “moderate” his way into the White House.

California didn’t get this way by accident. It got this way through deliberate, progressive, big-government policy — the same policies Newsom and national Democrats would love to roll out across the country.

So maybe you don’t want to move to California — but Newsom wants to bring California to you.

The question is: Are you going to let him?

Shaun – Host: “The Edge of Liberty”

📚 Sources & Citations

1. Tax Foundation – “Real Value of $100 by State (2024)”
   https://taxfoundation.org
2. AAA Gas Prices – “Average Gas Prices by State” (May 24, 2025)
   https://gasprices.aaa.com
3. World Population Review – “Utility Costs by State” & “Grocery Costs by State”
   https://worldpopulationreview.com
4. Bankrate – “Average Cost of Car Insurance in California (2025)”
   https://www.bankrate.com
5. MoveBuddha – “Where Are Californians Moving To?”
   https://www.movebuddha.com/blog/where-californians-moving-to
6. U.S. Census Bureau / ZipRecruiter – “Average Income in California”
   https://www.ziprecruiter.com
7. Ski California & OnTheSnow.com – “California Ski Season Pass Prices”
   https://skicalifornia.org | https://www.onthesnow.com
8. California Legislative Analyst’s Office – “Cost of Living in California”
   https://lao.ca.gov
9. California Department of Justice – “Statewide Crime Rates”
   https://oag.ca.gov/crime
10. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – “California School Performance”
    https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
11. FlyREVA – “Average ER Wait Times by State (2025)”
    https://www.flyreva.com
12. Governing.com – “California’s Population Slide & Net Migration Loss”
    https://www.governing.com

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Sack Head Shaun

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