There are "tricks" in expensive cities to look for as much nation-wide pricing as possible
Amazon and Walmart online, Whole Foods and Trader Joes in person. Doctors and drugs who are in-network for insurance would be the same cost anywhere in the US
It really is mostly childcare and housing that really kills you in the expensive cities
Target has different prices for shipping based on your selected store! This despite shipping from a warehouse, not the store. It would surprise me if the WalMart instore prices don't vary by location (I have not checked).
> Doctors and drugs who are in-network for insurance would be the same cost anywhere in the US
> What do you mean by 'cost of influence'? If I don't want influence, is it optional?
Every political system has patrician and plebeian tracks. In America, the former can be bought (versus solely inherited). Being a politically-active patrician in New York involves an expensive list of patronage. That’s where the power players are, and that’s where you’ll cut casual deals.
It’s optional. And it’s different from civic responsibility. But unless you think the status quo is hunky dory, you’re going to want to change things, and the cost of access varies geographically.
Think of an example such as you'd like a better public school system in your district. If you live in a rural county in Oklahoma of 20k people, you could likely get on the school board without any opposition and start making changes. Vs trying to change anything about the public school system in San Francisco.
I find this whole discourse strange/obvious: mostly childcare/housing
I don't think people are spending upwards of $2,500 per month on impulse purchases on Amazon, groceries, or whatever, and blaming it on 'cost of living'
In Ohio I got twice the house for half the price compared to Austin. The cost of milk and eggs are way down there
Amazon and Walmart online, Whole Foods and Trader Joes in person. Doctors and drugs who are in-network for insurance would be the same cost anywhere in the US
It really is mostly childcare and housing that really kills you in the expensive cities