I can't relate to this at all. I'd argue that the quality of life is actually much higher here. Even with longer work hours.

Sure rental prices suck, but to name a few things:

* Weather is amazing. * Wages are higher than anywhere else for my profession. * The quality of food/produce is better than anywhere else I've lived, year-round. * Within a 4-hour driving radius, I can be skiing, surfing, hiking or tasting world-class wine. * Easy to meet up with like-minded people.