James Trevino, a Tier 2 desktop support technician for Cox Communications, has highlighted the impact of rising costs on household budgets. "Surging costs for insurance, groceries, and fuel have significantly impacted household budgets in recent years," Trevino said in a post on X.
"Last year my car and house insurance doubled," said Trevino, Desktop Support Technician Tier 2. "Gas reached $9.45 a gallon in California. Eggs peaked at $10.52 a dozen. My family health insurance deductible and copay increased 2x."
California is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive states to live in, with cost of living indexes approximately 40% higher than the U.S. average. Housing, transportation, and utilities are major contributors to these elevated costs. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, California's cost of living ranked third-highest among U.S. states in 2024.
Car insurance rates in California rose by nearly 17% between 2022 and 2024, marking one of the sharpest increases nationally. Analysts attribute this hike to factors such as rising repair costs, increased accident claims, and inflationary pressures. A study from Bankrate noted that California's average annual full coverage premium reached approximately $2,291 in 2024.
Lawsuit costs are also placing increasing financial strain on California households. Residents pay an estimated $2,000 annually in "tort tax" expenses. A 2024 analysis from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform found that excessive litigation drives up prices for goods and services, including insurance. Calls for tort reform continue as businesses and consumers seek relief from growing legal system costs.
Trevino works as a Desktop Support Technician Tier 2 at Cox Communications, providing IT services to multiple corporate and retail locations across San Diego County. He previously served as a Field Service Technician for Worldwide TechServices for over four years and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 2011.