Yesterday’s post showed off a range of house prices across the country. Since housing expenses are the largest portion of most people’s budgets, they greatly influence people’s standards of living and disposable income. To live a lush life in St. Louis might only allow you to squeak by in Salt Lake City.
For that reason, it’s funny when someone brags about their “six-figure salary” — and then you find out they live in Washington State. Sure, congratulations on your $100K, but that’s basically a modest Minnesota income with prettier mountains and pricier coffee. There’s a strange amnesia that kicks in when people talk about money across states, as if groceries, gas, and rent were all federally standardized.
Then there’s the gross-up crowd — those who love to quote the full sticker price of their income, conveniently forgetting everything that comes off the top. Taxes, insurance premiums, pension contributions… not to mention the hidden perks that don’t show up on a pay stub: flexible hours, remote days, or a workplace that doesn’t mind if you pick up your kid at 3 p.m. Some of the most valuable parts of a job can’t be cashed out — they’re lived.
Each region and industry really runs on its own microclimate of opportunity. What looks “low pay” in one city can mean stability, a yard, and free weekends somewhere else. Meanwhile, other jobs look golden until you notice the 70-hour weeks, commutes, and housing markets that never quite forgive you.
And then, of course, there are our Canadian friends. Always happy to tell you about their million-dollar home — in Canadian dollars, around $720K USD. Not quite as flashy a number. But don’t worry, we’ll do the math for you, eh?
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