"What real significant tangible benefit are these people getting that compels them to live like this and pay a relatively high cost for the privilege?" There i

"What real significant tangible benefit are these people getting that compels them to live like this and pay a relatively high cost for the privilege?" There is a significant "plan b" by doing that that you have to consider as well as a benefit over being somewhere else because of the concentration of like minded people. Many who will go on to achieve success. You are around others who are doing things and you are making connections. If your thing doesn't work, you know people who now know you and you can get involved with them if your idea doesn't work out if they feel you have talent. (And vice versa). That's a huge benefit.