NJ and Wisconsin as a comparison? Your friends in NJ probably work in NYC (or one of the close in northern NJ cities). Run a cost of living calculator, we're

NJ and Wisconsin as a comparison? Your friends in NJ probably work in NYC (or one of the close in northern NJ cities). Run a cost of living calculator, we're just as bad off (: If they're out in the middle of the state they're probably not making $120, and you could be living in Sacramento for a lower cost of living (and salary) too.