I think it was stated that she “couldn’t afford” to live there, not that she just “couldn’t” live there. Pay at large companies is typically in a defined band,

I think it was stated that she “couldn’t afford” to live there, not that she just “couldn’t” live there. Pay at large companies is typically in a defined band, so while she could be getting paid less it wouldn’t make or break being able to afford living in a place at all. If one can afford “a” place to live, but perceives the city as unaffordable, then the places that are affordable must be considered below standard.