Obviously you are correct that $125k does not go in far in SF, LA, or NYC as it does in Cleveland. But these cities are extreme outliers, and my main point remains that you need a little more perspective about what &quot;definitely sucks&quot; in America.<p>I make right around $125k and live in SF. I have the luxury of not having to think much about how I spend my money, and yet I still have $2000-$3000 left over every single month. For perspective, half of all Americans would not be able to afford a single unexpected $400 expense[1]. That&#x27;s what definitely sucks, not the fact that I can&#x27;t afford a house in Bernal Heights.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.washingtonpost.com&#x2F;news&#x2F;the-fix&#x2F;wp&#x2F;2015&#x2F;06&#x2F;03&#x2F;tnearly-half-of-americans-say-they-cant-afford-an-unexpected-400-expense&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.washingtonpost.com&#x2F;news&#x2F;the-fix&#x2F;wp&#x2F;2015&#x2F;06&#x2F;03&#x2F;tn...</a>