[fintstone]

Back to the original topic. One can see why one might choose to spend a lot of their working life in a place that pays well and then take their earnings to a place where the costs are low (where others are paid poorly). That enables them to compete well for housing and services (live above what their means would be if they did not). It is problematic for the areas they go to in large numbers as it drives housing and other costs way up...and locals workers and retirees cannot compete. It has been equalizing over time as more people and employers leave the rust belt and colder climates to go south and west...but it is a slow process and is really hard on cites they leave (reduces tax base) and cities they relocate to (housing shortages and increased eldercare costs)...as, in general, many do not bring jobs, just needs/wants based on the place they just left.

Good strategy for most, but it does create challenges (as the social and political ramifications are not lost on the locals).

The article below has some interesting numbers (both actual and adjusted for cost of living) for metro areas and states. It might help one create a strategy...if they are considering relocation. Obviously, depending on your vocation and spending needs, size may vary.

https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/these-are-us-cities-highest-cost-living-adjusted-salaries