6-in-10 Americans believe Floridians and Californians are somewhat/very different from each other.
A recent YouGov poll revealed that Florida is perceived as more financially friendly, safer, and welcoming, while California is known for having more political power and better universities.
WHY IT MATTERS – Florida and California state policies were a major point of contention in the Nov. 30 debate between Govs. Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom.
THE NUMBERS – A YouGov poll from Nov. 20 – Nov. 27, asked Americans to compare California and Florida across a wide range of socio-political and economic fields. It revealed the following:
- 38% said California has more national political power, with Florida receiving 16% of the vote
- 36% said California has better public universities, with Florida receiving 22% of the vote
However, except for employment opportunities, respondents viewed Florida as being overall more financially accommodating:
- 29% said California has more employment opportunities, with Florida receiving 26% of the vote
- 32% said Florida is better for business, with California receiving 28% of the vote
- 42% said Florida has better tax policies, with California receiving 13% of the vote
- 55% said Florida has a lower cost of living, with California receiving 9% of the vote
The poll also indicates that while California is perceived as more diverse, Florida is considered more welcoming and safer:
- 37% said California is more diverse, with Florida receiving 16% of the vote
- 36% said Florida has less crime, with California receiving 13% of the vote
- 33% said Florida is more welcoming to newcomers, with California receiving 26% of the vote
BOTTOM LINE – Many Americans believe California has more national political power and better universities, but Florida is perceived as the fiscally reasonable, safer, and more welcoming state.
GO DEEPER – How Americans compare Florida, California, and their governors