Part 9/12:
The effect is palpable: many businesses have already relocated or plan to do so, seeking more business-friendly environments. The high cost of living, coupled with ever-increasing taxes, is fueling a "brain drain" and economic shifting from blue states like California to red states like Texas and Florida.
The Cost of Living Gap: Workers Struggling to Keep Up
Retail workers, often earning around $35,000 annually across the U.S., find themselves $37,000 short of what’s needed to rent a typical apartment. In places like San Jose, their wages only cover about 34% of rental costs, forcing many to live with roommates or parents. In cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, the gap is even wider—up to 65-64%.