Suppose you’re a parent of modest means and determined to get the best possible public education for your kids. Suppose further you have two choices about where to live, let’s call them Upstate and Downstate. You conscientiously check the census data on school spending, and the choice looks like a no-brainer.

Upstaters appear committed to quality; they seem happy to fund their public schools generously. Total spending there is almost $15,000 per pupil per year, 22% above the national average. You note with satisfaction that teacher salaries plus benefits per pupil are 28% above the national average, presumably attracting the best teaching talent. Upstate’s biggest city, in fact, ranks third in the nation among large school districts, spending 33% more per pupil than the national average.