But if that were the case, then schools would simply be forced to pay higher wages for teachers. That, or teachers would be willing to travel further (perhaps

But if that were the case, then schools would simply be forced to pay higher wages for teachers. That, or teachers would be willing to travel further (perhaps in exchange for slightly higher wages). In either case, the idea that a city can just "break" because it is too expensive for ordinary workers, ignores basic microeconomics. The laws of supply and demand imply that wages go up to deal with lack of supply of certain professions. Whether that lack of supply is caused by a nationwide talent shortage, or a local high cost of living, makes no difference.