Gen-Xer HN lurker here: 16% of monthly income goes to mortgage & utilities, I live in one of the most affordable metro areas in the country, and I am confused a

Gen-Xer HN lurker here: 16% of monthly income goes to mortgage & utilities, I live in one of the most affordable metro areas in the country, and I am confused as to why people put up with the high cost of living on the coasts. Yes San Francisco, LA, New York jobs pay 20-30% more, and it is probably 18.5% funner to live in those areas for a few years, but the cost of living is 200-300% more.