Same way in the Chicago area.Thats right. Try living in Portland, Me. Its third highest cost of living per capita in the USA. I think Boston is #1 and I forget #2.
Even though we make more at Central, the difference in what $200k can buy you is HUGE....In Portland, you are LUCKY to find a DECENT 2 bedroom condo/house for $200k. In Boston its even worse...that will but you a 1 bedroom.
So yes, we make more......but we also pay more. Taxes are rediculous here as well....