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Getting By: Low Wages and Pensions

The sunshine tax has long been our justification for higher prices and lower wages here in San Diego County. It's nearly always 70 degrees and sunny & ndash; so you pay more to live here and you get paid less.

But, does desirability really make this place so expensive? A leading county economist says, no. SANDAG Chief Economist Marney Cox says wages are low because of the jobs the county attracts and creates & ndash; jobs in the tourist industry - & waiters waitresses, hotel clerks, and maids. Cox says the sunshine tax is really low paying jobs combined with a shortage of houses.