The Public Policy Institute of California asked people if housing affordability is a big problem in their area. Unsurprisingly, Bay Area residents were most likely to say yes.[bar color=”Accent-Color” title=”1. Bay Area” percent=”79″][bar color=”Extra-Color-1″ title=”2. Los Angeles” percent=”63″][bar color=”Accent-Color” title=”3. Orange County/San Diego” percent=”59″][bar color=”Extra-Color-1″ title=”4. Inland Empire” percent=”46″][bar color=”Accent-Color” title=”5. Central Valley” percent=”35″]The PPIC statewide survey also asked if housing costs are a financial strain to each respondent personally. Perception of the problem is far more drastic than reality.
Despite 4 in 5 Bay Area residents saying housing costs are a big problem for the region, only 48 percent said housing costs are a financial strain for them personally. The state as a whole ranged from 51 percent in Los Angeles to 43 percent in the Central Valley.