California spends significantly more on education than most other states, yet a large majority of its educators cannot afford to live near their schools due to high housing costs. Sam Finn, executive director of the California Newcomer Network, highlighted this disparity, noting that while the state leads the nation in average teacher pay at $103,552 and ranks 16th in per-student spending at $20,898, financial strain remains common. A survey commissioned by the California Teachers Association found that 84% of teachers earning six-figure salaries still cannot live near their schools.
The housing market plays a central role in this issue. The Legislative Analyst’s Office reports that the cost of a mid-tier home in California is approximately $775,000, which is more than double the typical price elsewhere in the United States. Additionally, rents in the state are about 54% higher than the national average, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. These expenses force many educators to live far from their workplaces or in substandard conditions, as Finn recalled from his time teaching in Oakland.
Comparisons with other states illustrate how housing costs affect educational staffing. Texas, which pays teachers $40,000 less and spends $8,000 less per student than California, maintains lower rents and smaller class sizes. Massachusetts also offers lower rents and higher test performance despite paying teachers $10,000 less than California. These examples suggest that California’s high spending buys less staffing power than taxpayers might expect due to the cost of living.
Some districts are attempting to solve the problem by building their own housing. Jefferson Union High School District constructed a 122-unit complex that houses a quarter of its staff and has helped reduce turnover. San Francisco Unified spent nearly seven years permitting and building 135 units for its applicants. However, such projects are unlikely to scale sufficiently to help most teachers or shift the broader cost landscape.
