$100K salary in California = broke #costofliving #california

11 Apr 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:33

In this brief monologue, TJ Walker argues that California’s cost of living is so high that even a six‑figure income (e.g., $100,000 per year) can leave residents financially strained. He points to soaring housing costs and other living expenses, noting that a person can have a good job and manage responsibly yet still be one unexpected bill away from stress. Walker suggests that the state’s economic environment is harsh enough that earners at this level might feel they need emotional and financial support from government programs.

Chapters

California is not paradise for everyone. If you're not making well into 6 figures, it can feel brutally expensive because it is brutally expensive. Housing costs are high, cost of living is high. You can have a good job, do everything right, and still feel like you're one unexpected expense away from financial stress. It's the only place where you can make $100,000 a year and still feel like you should qualify for emotional support and financial support from the state. Ultimize.