Bay Area service workers, brace yourselves: the tipping game is getting wild, and not in a good way.

A recent analysis of payment data reveals a bizarre economic paradox that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about generosity. Turns out, the folks in Antioch - who aren’t exactly rolling in tech money - are secretly the MVP tippers, averaging a solid 15.4% on food and drinks. Meanwhile, their supposedly more affluent neighbors in Redwood Shores are pinching pennies with a measly 11.2% tip.

The Tipping Point of No Return

We’re witnessing what experts are calling “tipflation” - a bizarre landscape where service workers are increasingly dependent on gratuities, but customers are feeling the financial squeeze. Square’s data shows a downward trend in tipping across food, beverage, and beauty services, suggesting economic stress is hitting service workers hard.

Who’s Really Paying Up?

Interestingly, high-income folks are the most uncertain about tipping etiquette. They’re simultaneously feeling social pressure to tip and being the least consistent about it. And don’t get us started on Gen Z and Millennials - they talk a big game about supporting workers, but their bar tipping tells a different story.

The Bottom Line

California might just be the stingiest state when it comes to tips, with San Francisco consistently ranking at the bottom of tipping charts. As service charges and additional fees continue to complicate the dining experience, one thing’s clear: the service industry is navigating some seriously choppy financial waters.

Remember, your tip isn’t just extra cash - it’s literally someone’s paycheck.