People always make it sound living in CA is more expensive than any where else. After reading this post, I don't think so. Taxes (sales tax 9.25%)are high, cost of living is hight, but wages for the most part are higher than other areas of the country. Seems like the more you make the more you pay for everything. It all comes out in the wash. We bought our house before 1973 so are under Prop. 13 which means are property taxes are a lot less. However, because of 13 so are everyone elses. The state has a limit on how much they can raise property taxes. I know a lot of people want to discontinue Prop. 13, but if they do, taxes will skyrocket & it will give CA government more money to spend. Seems like the government everywhere doesn't have the concept to leave with in their means like we have to.