[SilasX]

The question was about a Cupertino homeowner vs what that corresponding homeowner would see in Austin. You're linking an article about the median Californian vs median Texan, which -- even accepting its assumptions -- is only superficially relevant, and very unrepresentative for the comparison under discussion.

Even at the lower rate, the property taxes on the Cupertino house alone dwarf any tax difference they would pay for a comparable lifestyle in Austin [1].

To be blunt, but it looks like you deliberately chose a misleading comparison to push the narrative you already settled on. That's below the standard I've come to expect of your comments.

[1] Here's a $3.2m Cupertino home, which shows $40k/year in property taxes. A comparable home in Austin for the $700k the parent mentioned would have ~$14k/year in property taxes. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/21467-Krzi...

So, paying the $2.5 million ... to pay $26k/year more just in property taxes.

[cryptonector]

To which one must add interest if one has a mortgage. It's nuts. Not I'm wondering what the shelter situation is like for the bottom 10% in California vs. Texas. And if affordable shelter == long commute, one has to value that time, and the mileage and gas or public transportation costs, etc.