How much tax will I pay on a tech salary in California?

Expect to lose 25% to 40% of your gross income to Federal, State, and FICA taxes.

Will H-1B visa changes Trump might enact affect my taxes?

Directly? No, tax rates are set by Congress and the State. However, H-1B visa changes Trump proposes could add administrative fees (like the potential $100000 H-1B fee for employers), which might suppress salary growth.

Is Sales Tax added at the register?

Yes. The price on the shelf is never the final price. Add about 10% mentally to avoid surprises.

How do I get an H-1B visa 2025 in this economy?

To figure out how to get H-1B visa 2025, focus on finding a financially stable employer willing to sponsor you despite the costs and the H-1B cap 2025.

Are utilities expensive in California?

Extremely. Electricity and gas rates are among the highest in the US. Summer AC bills can be shocking.

Do H-1B holders pay the same taxes as citizens?

Yes. If you hold a specialty occupation visa 2025 and live here, you are a tax resident.

What are "Junk Fees" in restaurants?

Sneaky 3-15% surcharges labeled as "Service Fees" or "Health Fees." A new 2024 law aims to ban them, but enforcement is still evolving.

Will I get a Tax Refund?

Maybe, if you overpaid during the year or qualify for specific deductions. File by April 15th to find out.

Do Trump H-1B restrictions affect housing?

Indirectly. If Trump H-1B restrictions reduce the influx of tech workers, rental demand in the Bay Area could soften, potentially stabilizing prices.

Why is rent so expensive?

Supply and demand, plus landlords pass on their high Property Taxes and insurance costs to you.

California Cost of Living 2025: Taxes, Hidden Fees, and H-1B Visa Reality Check

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Author

November 23, 2025

Moving to Cali? See how H-1B visa 2025 changes (Trump restrictions, fees) & taxes hit your salary. A brutal breakdown of living costs & hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic.

Sources

References and sources used in this article.

IRS - Federal Tax Rateshttps://www.irs.gov

California Franchise Tax Boardhttps://www.ftb.ca.gov

CDTFA - Sales Tax Rates by Cityhttps://www.cdtfa.ca.gov

PG&E - Utility Rateshttps://www.pge.com

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