CalMatters has raised concerns regarding the California Legislature’s inability to provide short-term affordability relief, despite increasing voter frustration over the state’s high cost of living.
According to CalMatters, dissatisfaction among voters with rising living costs likely contributed significantly to Democratic setbacks in California during the 2024 election. The organization reports that “voter resentment of high inflation in their costs of living” is widely seen as a major factor behind several traditionally Democratic counties switching allegiance to Trump. Even in deeply Democratic regions, ten counties that supported Biden in 2020 shifted their support in 2024, suggesting that personal economic concerns influenced voting behavior more than ideological loyalty. This development indicates a political reckoning: affordability has become a campaign issue on which voters expect tangible action rather than mere rhetoric.
Homeownership in California remains significantly more expensive compared to the national average. According to Redfin data, as of February 2025, the median price for a single-family home in California was approximately $866,100, nearly double the national median of around $407,100. More recent reporting from CalMatters highlights that the median sales price for a single-family home statewide is just under $900,000, underscoring the persistent challenge for middle-income Californians trying to purchase homes without substantial savings or assistance.
California renters also face some of the highest monthly costs nationwide. Redfin reports indicate that average state rent was $2,481; however, in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, median rents are much higher at $3,417 and $3,285 respectively. Zillow data further confirms San Francisco’s elevated prices: as of mid-August 2025, the average rent there was about $3,580—approximately 70% above the national average of $2,100. These figures reflect a rental market under significant pressure with widespread affordability challenges across urban areas.
California drivers encounter some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation due largely to regulatory and tax burdens. In April 2025, regular gasoline averaged $4.85 per gallon—about $1.80 higher than the U.S. average of roughly $3.05—a nearly 59% premium. According to the California Legislative Office, fuel taxes and fees account for approximately $1.42 per gallon of this elevated total price. Additionally, electricity rates in California rank among the highest nationally due to wildfire-related costs and complex climate policies which further inflate everyday utility bills.
One of the few measures offering immediate cost relief is SB 371, a bill by Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-West Sacramento, that would lower California’s rideshare insurance mandate. Supporters say the change will ease insurance costs that drive up fares, making rides more affordable for consumers and expanding earning opportunities for drivers.
CalMatters is a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization dedicated to explaining California policy and politics through detailed journalism aimed at enhancing public understanding of state governance by providing clear and transparent reporting and analysis.
