I do agree that top-tier cities are not built on low COL as their prime selling point. However, I will also point out that low COL can have advantages of it's

I do agree that top-tier cities are not built on low COL as their prime selling point. However, I will also point out that low COL can have advantages of it's own for the ambitious, particularly for those pursuing their own ideas rather than climbing the corporate ladder. When rent is $500/month (or less with a roommate) and bars, restaurants, etc are also cheap, it requires much less difficulty to pursue your idea. Even modest savings will let you live a normal life and last you years of trying to make a go of it, and you could get by indefinitely with a part time job if you don't have that.