David Tangipa, the Assemblyman for California's 8th District, has attributed the state's rising cost of living to state policies rather than federal actions. He urged leaders to prioritize economic and public safety reforms in a statement made on X.
"It's not Washington driving up your cost of living in California—it's the Governor and this Legislature," said Tangipa, U.S. Representative. "This state is being regulated into ruin. Californians are paying the price, and all we get in return is performative empathy and failed policies. It's time to wake up, stop blaming others, lock the doors, and get to work solving the problems Californians actually care about. We need more jobs—not less. Lower costs for insurance, groceries, housing, utilities, gas and return a higher standard of safety and service."
California consistently ranks among the states with the highest cost-of-living indexes in the United States. According to Knoema, California's cost-of-living index was 139.8 in 2023, significantly above the national average of 100. This high index reflects elevated expenses in categories such as housing, transportation, and healthcare.
Statista reported that as of March 2024, California had the highest average retail gasoline price in the United States at $4.88 per gallon. This compares to a national average of $3.51 per gallon during the same period. The disparity is influenced by state taxes, environmental regulations, and limited refining capacity.
In 2024, according to MoneyGeek, the average cost of homeowners insurance in California was $1,225 per year for a policy with $250,000 in dwelling coverage. This is lower than the national average but varies widely depending on location and wildfire risk. Increasing claims and insurer withdrawals from the state market are influencing rate volatility.
Tangipa is a former U.S. Marine and currently serves as an assemblyman for the 8th District. His campaign platform includes policies focused on public safety, tax reduction, and education. He has said support for small businesses and opposition to certain state-level regulations.