[boop]

How DO taxpaying Californians actually get by?

Seriously.

Every time I turn around there is another multi-billion dollar "program" that needs funding.

Are there THAT many people who have "spare cash" to send in to the government?

My friend lives in LA, and works as a lawyer in the prosecutor's office.

He makes around 100K per year.

Sounds like a lot, huh?

He pays Federal, State, and Local taxes.

I forget what it adds up to but it's a BIG chunk out of his paycheck.

He's always complaining about how he just can't get ahead in that environment.

I feel sorry for him as he is one of the three republicans living in LA.

[Rusty0604]

I made over 100k in bay area but I live better, except for weather, on less than half that in TX.

[Myrddin]

My company tracks my hours in a given zip code and collects state income tax accordingly. I'm an Idaho resident, but I've had to work significant time in California and Nebraska. Enough that I'm having to file income taxes in all 3 states. In my income bracket, the state income tax is almost a wash between CA and ID. CA sales tax is higher, but they don't tax food as ID does. CA cost of living is MUCH higher than ID. I'm thankful to be home...even with a reduction in hours to 32 vs 40 in San Diego. I'm still ahead for being out of CA.