The only reason I still live in Ohio. My salary is almost double the median income, and I'm still just barely staying out of the paycheck to paycheck life while paying my spouses way through school. I wouldn't have been able to afford a house anywhere else with just my income and maintain what semblance of a life we do have.
The perks of living in the decaying rust belt I guess.
No doubt. Ten years ago, that same phrase would've meant I had to decide between gas and food on Wednesday.
Now it's enough to pay the bills and tuition after we lost their income because of covid. I'm constantly teetering on overdrafts thanks to the financial obligations we have from when there was 40k more a year in the bank. Sure, it might not be for the same reasons, but it's a similar situation. It left me with no room for savings. You can be broke and make good money, due to situations beyond your control.
I came from three generations of broke people on both sides. It's not like I don't get it. Just decided to prioritize the betterment of someone I care about, and not remain in crushing debt for the rest of my life. I drive a 13 year old truck. My phone is 4 years old. We shop at discount grocery stores. I'm not just blowing it.
Point being, if I lived anywhere else but Ohio or some equally inexpensive state, I would have lost everything by now.