As with most other things in CA, because of over-regulation, things cost more.
Obviously, caged hens are more cost effective than uncaged hens, therefore their eggs cost less at the store. Now, eggs will be more expensive in CA because fewer producers are left to serve the market AND because uncaged hen eggs cost more to produce.
This might be good for the hens but it is hard on the people.
Keep it up CA & you're gonna need a Dept. of Egg Smuggling.
Enforced by 1,000 heavily armed Free Range Egg Agents...