Do you ever get tired of all the taxes, high food, gas, "gotcha" taxes and fees? (San Diego: 2013, rent)

[EdJS]

It does cost more to live in California than in most other parts of the US, although as mentioned the difference is reflected most keenly in housing prices, and only a little in taxes, fees, and gas, and certainly not in food prices.

I continue to live here because for me the advantages outweigh the higher cost. Anyone who feels otherwise is welcome to live elsewhere.

[Fontucky]

My complete lack of any heating bill whatsoever is always glossed over by the Chicken Little cohort.

[sunshine7793]

California is the 4th highest taxed state. How can you argue with the facts?

Well I guess you don't have to argue with facts. You don't have to acknowledge facts. Just spin, twist, misrepresent, and refuse to accept the facts. And insult those who bring them up.

And of course say that Texas is always worse. Circus act.

[nullgeo]

As I was saying about the gasoline cry for mercy ... yep, California is more expensive ... on average $280 a year more expensive. Now, apply the math to taxes and see how much it actually costs more to live in California for taxes. Oh wait, that's already been shown here over and over: it depends on how wealthy one is ... and, for the majority, who aren't that wealthy, or downright muddling-through, well, it isn't at all more expensive tax-wise than other states. *circus fanfare for the flying trapeze act*

Here, consider this example:
loaf of bread #1: $2.50
loaf of bread #2: $2.51
loaf of bread #3: $2.52

Yes, loaf #3 is more expensive than #'s 1 and 2. But loaf #1 is moldy. Loaf #2 is stale. And loaf #3 is fresh and whole grain, packed with vitamins for strong growing bones to make happy children happier. Buy whatever you want.

[.highnlite]

Originally Posted by sunshine7793

California is the 4th highest taxed state. How can you argue with the facts?

Well I guess you don't have to argue with facts. You don't have to acknowledge facts. Just spin, twist, misrepresent, and refuse to accept the facts. And insult those who bring them up.

And of course say that Texas is always worse. Circus act.

But, try this, check the difference in tax rates between California and a so called low tax state. Yes, CA may be the 4th highest, but that would have no relevance in comparing California's tax rate with a so called low tax rate.

Facts stand alone. No need to spin them, they speak for themselves, there are those who prefer what they believe to facts, but thankfully, they are all in Texas!!

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by sunshine7793

California is the 4th highest taxed state. How can you argue with the facts?

Well I guess you don't have to argue with facts. You don't have to acknowledge facts. Just spin, twist, misrepresent, and refuse to accept the facts. And insult those who bring them up.

And of course say that Texas is always worse. Circus act.

And right on cue, a cohort member shows up.

[mateo45]

Aside from the comparisons, I never get the complaints about Cali's COL. Where is it written that every state has to be equally ''affordable''? Or do they also complain that a Lexus or BMW costs more to buy and maintain? You get what you pay for, and nobody's ever forced to buy the "high-priced spread"... be it a car, a house, or where you choose to live!

[Senno]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

And right on cue, a cohort member shows up.

A cohort? We'd better check with Caesar as I think he's ordered a decimation.



Uh-oh...

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Senno

Wait a sec, Slo. Gotta get that intro in.

Now pinchhitting for OT, we have Slo. Slugging a magnificent 1.318, and batting righty. Formerly with CA since traded to TX in a multi-player 2 for 1 deal.

(It's almost

Easy there pardner, I don't pinch hit for nobody.
Plus I claim dual citizenship, nor am I a disgruntled expat!

[flathead4]

Originally Posted by .highnlite

But, try this, check the difference in tax rates between California and a so called low tax state. Yes, CA may be the 4th highest, but that would have no relevance in comparing California's tax rate with a so called low tax rate.

Facts stand alone. No need to spin them, they speak for themselves, there are those who prefer what they believe to facts, but thankfully, they are all in Texas!!

I've lurked for a while and your one heck of a cheerleader/basher. So here you go. Taxes that immediately affect people:

CA
Income tax: 1%-12.3%
Gasoline Tax: .69/gal
Diesel Tax: .79.5/gal
Sales tax base rate: 6.5% + up to an additional 3.5%. Most commonly 8-9% total varying by location.
Property tax: Assessed at 100% value max of 1% (Prop 13)

SD
Income tax: Zero.
Gasoline Tax: .42.4/gal
Diesel Tax: .48.4/gal
Sales Tax base rate: 4% + up to 2.75%. Most common throughout SD is 6%
Property Tax: Assessed at 85% value. I pay about 1% on my place.

Remember that fuel prices affect not only personal transportation, but also prices of goods. This does also does not take into account the difference in pre-tax price of fuel due to California's higher requirements in refining gasoline. I don't have time to go into vehicle registration fees.

Current average (with tax) for CA gas is $4.14/gal. 3.45/gal minus tax.
Current average (with tax) for SD gas is $3.61/gal. 3.18/gal minus tax.

And I don't even live in the boring part of SD. Of course, not only do you get to live with the great scenery in California, you get the added bonus of restrictions on individual rights too and a legislature that is inept beyond belief. I believe the term Bill Mill has been used in the past to describe the circus in Sacramento.

http://www.gaspricewatch.com/web_gas_taxes.php
USA and Canada Current Average Gas Prices By City/State/Province - GasBuddy.com
https://www.retirementliving.com/tax...owa#CALIFORNIA
https://www.retirementliving.com/tax...ng#SOUTHDAKOTA