Only if you seek them out (ski resorts and such). I've lived in both of the most expensive major inland cities (Chicago and Denver) and $85k is plenty in both, even for a small family.
Our family lived in HCOL places like Boston and LA before returning to Cincinnati a few years ago. It’s still cheaper than those but wow… I remember it being a lot cheaper when I left. Since we returned it’s gone up even more. Some neighborhoods went up by as much as 25% in the last 5 years and are not coming down.
I’ve been convinced for years that the inflation numbers are cooked. Or at least “massaged.” I don’t understand how people with only near median salaries live. It’s amazing there aren’t riots.
PNW dweller here, ^^^ this feels _insane_. average private school tuition for a single child is above $25k, nevermind kids pural! :O
I own a modest 3b2b house.
My mortgage plus daycare for two kids alone costs $78k/year (~$6.5k/month)
In 2000, very possible
In 2010, probable
In 2026, unlikely