Basically, it’s like Russia. Russia’s GDP is pretty large, because it’s a large and populous country. However, the wealth is only in the hands of a few and the economy is pretty hollowed out in reality. Big numbers do not mean well-living for the majority of the population.
The money quote.
California also hosts the largest deficit of all US states. It relies heavily on Washington for financial support. If California were to secede, it would not be a utopia. It would be a fragmented region with massive capital flight, internal divisions (North vs. South California). Not to mention, the state does not have a military or currency of its own. Still, California’s strengthening economy and desire to separate itself from Washington will result in louder chants for succession and independence.