Housing is also expensive because of the California building codes. These include things like double pane windows, copper pipes and energy efficient appliances

Housing is also expensive because of the California building codes. These include things like double pane windows, copper pipes and energy efficient appliances. These raise the cost of new construction compared to other states, but lead to long term lower home ownership costs and reduced energy consumption. If we are serious about climate change we need to create such regulations. Buyers will chose cheaper houses if given the choice.