Blue State Affordability Blues
Left-wing politicians, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), often blame corporate greed for high prices.
TL;DR
- Prices are 23% higher on average in blue states compared to red states.
- Nine of the 10 most expensive states in the MERIC index are controlled by Democrats.
- Housing costs are 57% higher in blue states due to state and local regulations, stricter energy codes, and higher property taxes.
- Utility prices are 15% higher in blue states, partly due to cap-and-trade regimes.
- Transportation costs are 14% higher in blue states, with California's policies driving up gasoline prices significantly.
- The article argues that government policies, taxes, and regulations, rather than corporate greed, are responsible for higher costs in blue states.