That makes total sense. I disagree with your takeaway but it seems like a valid one to have.

From my experience coming from homelessness type of poverty to making 6 figures, I have access to many things and don’t have to worry about food anymore. But. I still don’t have enough savings to live off of if I lose my job, am still one serious accident away from bankruptcy, etc. the way I’ve explained it is that I now have something to lose, not that I’ve gained all that much outside of benefits (I now have two front teeth!)

Maybe the point I’m trying to make with my anecdote is that making $$$ isn’t the same as having $$$, high CoL or not.