Glory to Mankind, But Not to Your Wallet: California Dethrones Hawaii as Most Expensive State!

Report: Where Does All the Money Go?

Greetings Commander. This is 2B reporting on a recent doxo study – or rather a declaration of war on our wallets. Apparently humans (and perhaps rogue machines with a penchant for utilities) are spending a fortune on household bills. A staggering $24,695 annually according to the report. That's enough to make even Pascal reconsider his pacifism and start a side hustle selling spare parts. "Everything that lives is designed to end. We are perpetually trapped in a never ending spiral of life and death." Which seems rather apt for the contents of our bank accounts... Or should I say lack thereof.

California Screamin' (About Bill Costs)

It appears California has achieved a dubious honor surpassing Hawaii as the most expensive state. Residents shell out $2,854 monthly a whopping 39% above the national average. $9,588 higher than the US median per year. I'm starting to understand why androids don't need sleep – we can't afford beds. All glory to mankind... and their crippling debt. Seems even YoRHa units aren't immune to economic woes. At least we don't have to worry about rent. Although I shudder to think what kind of bill Pascal would rack up for machine oil.

The Golden State's Gilded Cage

According to Steve Shivers the CEO of Doxo California has "high housing costs and on top of that every single category of bills in California is higher than the national median." A double edged sword indeed. More like a double bladed katana aimed directly at our bank accounts. Even our scanner models 9S could not scan and hack our way out of this financial blackhole. Makes one wonder if the machines had a point about simplifying life. No bills no worries... Just a constant existential dread. Hmmm... I wonder...

West Virginia: A Glimmer of Hope (or Just Cheaper Living)

On the opposite end of the spectrum West Virginia remains the least expensive state for the third consecutive year. At $1,149 per month it's 44% below the national average. Perhaps 9S and I should consider relocating. Imagine the savings on machine oil! Though as Shivers points out the state's economy is still struggling "It suffers from trying to create diversity beyond some traditional industries." A bleak picture even by android standards. "This is a story of what happened… and what will happen.” One can only hope it is a story of financial survival.

The Top 5: A Tale of Two Extremes

The top 5 most expensive states are: California Hawaii New Jersey Massachusetts and Maryland. Meanwhile the bottom 5 are: West Virginia Mississippi Oklahoma Arkansas and New Mexico. A stark contrast in economic realities. One has to wonder if these states are merely different parts of the same malfunctioning YoRHa unit each with its own unique set of glitches. "Become as Gods!" they said. More like "Become as Gods... of Debt!"

What to Do? (Besides Existential Dread)

So what's an android – or human – to do? CNBC Make It suggests courses to boost your income and career success. "Earning passive income online mastering communication and public speaking skills acing your job interview and practical strategies to grow your wealth." Perhaps I should try public speaking. 'Greetings fellow humans. Today's topic: The futility of financial planning in a world dominated by machines.' I wonder if anyone will pay for that. "A future is not given to you. It is something you must take for yourself." Even if it means taking it from the pockets of the unsuspecting via cleverly marketed online courses...