California’s Affordability Crisis
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Housing
California’s housing costs are more than double the national average.
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Gasoline
California’s gasoline prices are the highest in the nation at nearly $5/gallon. Currently, prices are more than $1.60 above the national average.
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Energy
California’s electricity rates are more than twice the national average and increased nearly 50% between 2019 and 2023.
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Cost of Living
California is home to the second-highest cost of living in the country.
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Poverty
About 5.1 million Californians live in poverty, with 31% of residents considered poor or near poor due to the high cost of living.
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Unemployment
California’s jobless rate is consistently among the highest in the nation. Currently at 5.5%, it is more than 37% higher than the national average.
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Homelessness
California accounts for over 24% of all homelessness in the U.S., with more than 187,000 people experiencing homelessness in 2024.
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Energy Bills
More than 2.2 million Californians are behind on their energy bills, owing more than $1.8 billion to the state’s three main IOUs.
Our Mission
California’s rising cost of living is pushing more residents into financial hardship, with state policies driving up expenses for housing, energy and everyday essentials. Affordability Watch California was created to hold leaders accountable and push for real solutions to this growing crisis.
Policy Makers Must Be Held Accountable
