The Hidden Costs of Blue State Policies
DID YOU
KNOW,
AMERICA?
Quick facts about housing, energy, and insurance costs
Housing Costs
13%
Average cost of living is 13% higher in blue states compared with red states.
30%
California has a housing shortage of more than 30% of existing housing stock.
19%
The average blue state housing shortage is roughly 19% of existing homes.
Strict zoning rules, parking mandates, historic preservation rules, and slow permitting processes limit housing supply and raise prices.
Energy Costs
32%
States with renewable energy mandates requested 32% higher electricity rate increases since 2020.
Electricity rates in mandate states are rising at nearly double the rate of states without mandates.
130%
California residential electricity prices increased 130% over the last decade.
New York electricity prices are 58% higher than the national average.
Insurance Costs
2.8M
Between 2020 and 2022, insurers dropped coverage for 2.8 million homes in California.
A California homeowner saw insurance costs rise from $6,000 to $44,000 per year between 2012 and 2026.
82%
Michigan drivers pay 82% more for auto insurance than Indiana drivers.
In Illinois, the ten largest insurers raised rates by more than $1.25 billion in one year.
Why This Matters
Policies that restrict housing supply, mandate expensive energy transitions, and heavily regulate insurance markets can unintentionally raise costs for families.
Understanding how policies affect everyday expenses helps Americans make informed decisions about affordability, economic opportunity, and long-term growth.
