I think quality of life also plays a role. If you live in the bay area and make $100k but live in a cramped appt with 2 others and a long commute while someone

I think quality of life also plays a role. If you live in the bay area and make $100k but live in a cramped appt with 2 others and a long commute while someone in the midwest makes $50k but owns a spacious house and a low traffic commute, who is really better off?