Most likely your parent misunderstands the _marginal_ income tax rates. That said, income tax is not the only kind of tax. In the US, federated government enti

Most likely your parent misunderstands the _marginal_ income tax rates. That said, income tax is not the only kind of tax. In the US, federated government entities mean a mesh of taxes accumulate. Income tax + Payroll Tax + Social Security + Medicare + Property Tax + Sales Tax aggregate. CA and NY are a little higher than other competing states, but not by much.