I’m not sure if you think you’re agreeing or disagreeing with me here. I’m saying that it’s unrealistic to expect to pay $X in Manhattan and $X in Iowa and to

I’m not sure if you think you’re agreeing or disagreeing with me here. I’m saying that it’s unrealistic to expect to pay $X in Manhattan and $X in Iowa and to get identical living arrangements. That’s it. If your employer is located in Manhattan and requires in-office work, your employer doesn’t care that you can’t afford the McMansion of your dreams in Midtown. You just need to make a choice that is realistic: move and get a smaller place and commute to the office or find a remote job and stay in Iowa.