It's like the type of articles that say you need to make XYZ to "live comfortably" in a particular city. Like the one below.
You need to make $108,092 a year to live comfortably in D.C., report says
I always want to ask the writers/researchers, what exactly do you mean by "live comfortably"? Does that mean living in a big downtown condo? Does that mean eating out 2-3 times a week at mid to high end restaurants? Does that mean sending your kids to private school? Does that mean driving a luxury car?
No one ever puts these types of statements in context. And I surmise that that's because it may break apart their argument.
For example, I used to date a chick in DC. Her salary was in the mid 60s...and this was at least five years ago. She had a nice size 1 BR/1BA apartment in a nice building right outside DC. By outside DC, I mean from the train station in the middle of DC to her spot was about 15 minutes driving city streets...not highway. Was she rich? No, but was she comfortable? From what I saw and experienced, yes.
I just find these "studies" to be funny style at times with some of the narratives they push. Are some cities more expensive than others? Sure. But are they unliveable unless you make $100K? I doubt it.
Peace