Always Buy the Male Version of the Products to Avoid Gender Tax
Goods and services for girls and women are significantly more expensive than similar goods for men. According to a study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, this gender tax (aka the “pink tax”) is costing us women thousands of dollars.
The agency compared nearly 800 male and female versions of products sold at two dozen retailers in New York. The results are infuriating:
The DCA found that on average across all five industries, women’s products cost 7 percent more than similar products for men. Specifically:
- 7% more toys and accessories
- 4% more on baby clothes
- 8% more on adult clothing
- 13 percent more on personal care products
- 8 percent more for senior and home health products
In all but five of the 35 product categories analyzed, products for female consumers were rated higher than for male consumers. Across the sample, DCA found that women’s products were more expensive 42 percent of the time, and men’s more than 18 percent.
The largest price discrepancy was for hair care products, with women paying 48 more for shampoo and conditioner than men for nearly identical products. The Pink Radio Flyer scooter is $ 49.99 and the red boys’ version is $ 24.99.
You can check out all the comparisons and examples in the PDF linked below, but if you don’t like paying more for the same items as for men, avoid the “womens” tagged items.
New York Gender Pricing Study | New York City Consumer Affairs Division via The Washington Post