Newsom just got exposed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is under growing scrutiny after making bold claims that his state is more tax-friendly than places like Texas and Florida.
But a closer look at the numbers tells a very different story—one that’s raising eyebrows among economists, policy experts, and everyday Americans alike.
Newsom’s Claims Spark Immediate Backlash
In recent speeches and social media posts, Newsom argued that so-called “low-tax states” are misleading the public. Speaking in Texas, he claimed:
- Middle-class families in Texas pay more than those in California
- Wealthy individuals move to states like Florida to avoid paying taxes
Those remarks quickly drew pushback from conservatives, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and prompted a deeper dive into the actual data.
The Real Numbers Tell a Different Story
According to research from Just Facts President James Agresti, the numbers paint a much clearer—and very different—picture:
- California collects about $10,000 per person annually in taxes
- Texas and Florida collect closer to $5,000 per person
That’s nearly double the tax burden.
Even when adjusted for income levels:
- California taxes about 14% of its economy
- Texas and Florida sit closer to 9%
👉 Bottom line: California remains one of the highest-tax states in America.
Breaking Down the Tax Burden
When you look at individual taxes, the gap becomes even more obvious:
Income Tax
- California: Up to 13.3%
- Texas: 0%
- Florida: 0%
Sales Tax
- California: 7.2%
- Texas: 6.2%
- Florida: 6.0%
Gas Taxes
- California: 70.9 cents per gallon
- Texas: 20 cents
- Florida: 40.3 cents
Other Taxes
- Higher unemployment insurance taxes than Florida
- Additional regulatory costs that impact businesses and consumers
While property taxes vary, the overall burden in California is significantly higher across multiple categories.
Independent Studies Confirm the Trend
It’s not just one analysis.
- A 2025 WalletHub study ranked California among the highest-tax states in the nation
- Data from the Tax Foundation shows California consistently collects more per resident than Texas or Florida
These findings reinforce what many Americans already feel in their wallets.
The Debate Over “Tax Fairness”
Supporters of Newsom often point to studies suggesting lower-income residents may pay a higher share of income in states without income taxes.
But critics say that argument misses the bigger picture.
👉 It focuses on income distribution, not total tax burden
For many Americans—especially retirees and small business owners—the real concern is simple:
How much money is leaving their pocket every year?
Why Are People Leaving California?
Another key issue tied to taxes is population movement.
Despite claims that concerns are exaggerated, data shows:
- More Americans are leaving California than moving in from other states
- Over time, the state has seen a net loss of millions of residents domestically
Many are choosing states like Texas and Florida for:
- Lower taxes
- Lower cost of living
- Fewer regulations
Cost of Living Remains a Major Factor
Taxes are only part of the equation.
California residents also face:
- Higher energy costs
- Higher housing prices
- Higher everyday expenses
This combination has made California one of the most expensive states to live in.
Final Thoughts: What Voters Should Know
At the end of the day, this debate goes beyond political talking points.
It comes down to real-world impact:
- What families pay in taxes
- How far retirement savings go
- Whether businesses can afford to stay
While leaders may present competing narratives, the data suggests California remains a high-tax, high-cost state—and that reality is becoming harder for voters to ignore.
