Both the Republican and Democratic parties claim to represent the interests of the middle class. But which party actually provides a higher quality of life for working individuals? Which party allows middle-class families to realize the American dream? To answer these questions, let’s compare the outcomes for middle-class families in the model progressive state of California to Republican-led Florida.
Housing
The opportunity to own a home is the most important aspect of “the American dream” for the majority of families. Unfortunately, the progressive haven of California has made it virtually impossible for middle-class families to ever own their own homes.
The average price of a home in San Francisco is about 1.5 million dollars. That is how much it would cost to live in a shack that might be smaller than Jeffrey Epstein’s old prison cell. In California’s biggest cities, Los Angeles and San Diego, the average home price is approximately 1 million dollars. Rents in any major California city are equally unaffordable for most middle-class people in the state.
In contrast, Florida homes are considerably more affordable. In Florida’s largest city, Jacksonville, a new home costs an average of $300,000. To put that into perspective, five homes in Jacksonville cost the same as one in San Francisco.
Even in Miami, which has experienced a massive influx of residents fleeing the poorly governed blue states like California, home prices are relatively affordable. The median price of a home in Miami is approximately $500,000.
Not surprisingly, California has lost millions of residents over the past few years, while Florida has gained millions. The costs of housing play a significant role in these migratory patterns. It’s hard to call yourself the party of the middle class if your policies make housing unaffordable for middle-class individuals.
Taxes
Outside of housing, taxes are probably the next most important economic consideration for middle-class families. The media family income in the United States is approximately $65,000. As demonstrated above, a family making $65,000 a year will likely never be able to afford a home in a major city in California. They will be lucky just to make ends meet.
Even though they are barely able to make ends meet, the state of California will confiscate nearly 10% of that middle-class family’s income in taxes. This is in addition to the federal income taxes, capital gains taxes, sales taxes, high gas taxes, and a multitude of other taxes that middle-class families have to pay.
However, if that same family moved to Florida, they would instantly be able to keep nearly 10% of their income. Florida does not charge residents income taxes. The sunshine state does not even have a tax form. In addition, the family that relocates to Florida will not be required to pay California’s exorbitant energy costs. Nor will they have to deal with the overly burdensome regulatory state that makes California the most expensive state in which to conduct business.
Quality of Life
Surely, since California is so expensive, you would think the State would find some sort of justification for the cost, right? Yes, the high taxes and exorbitant living expenses are crippling for most families. However, it would be legitimate if they received a return on their investment.
Unfortunately, California does not offer much in return. Despite being the most expensive state to live in, California has some of the nation’s worst schools. Additionally, its infrastructure and public transportation options are among the worst.
Since so many Californians describe themselves as environmentalists, one might assume that the cities are spotless. But they are not. They are dirtier than many countries in the third world. They are blights teeming with human degradation. The parks or public sidewalks are used as drug dens and outdoor toilets.
In addition, California has some of the most dangerous cities in the US. Radical left-wing District Attorneys like George Gascon refuse to effectively prosecute criminals, and crime rates continue to skyrocket.
Conclusion
Leaving Democrat-run California for Republican states like Florida is a no-brainer for the majority of middle-class people. This is precisely why millions have been making the move. It is clear which party is doing a better job
But who do you think is doing a better job for everyday people? Let us know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this article, check out Ashton’s conversation with Economist and California policy expert Lee Ohanian.
Ashton Cohen is an attorney, investor, writer, and host of Ashton Cohen: The ELECTile Dysfunction Podcast.