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 – 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 – 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.
