Quote Originally Posted by wolverine View Post
Well think of it this way. The higher cost of living results in a better return of services and neighborhood amenities. At the same time, some things are lower. Chicago has no income tax. Many Michigan cities do. Illinois income tax is slightly lower than Michigan's but the sales tax is higher. Chicago property taxes are slightly above average. Rents are average in comparison to Michigan cities unless you live by the lake or downtown. In the end things even out a bit.

Finally...income. My job field and related positions pay double and in some cases even more than that then back in Michigan. With my rent costing $2000 more annually than a comparable condo in Michigan...plus great mass transit access and a vibrant and safe neighborhood full of shopping and restaurants, it makes little sense to go elsewhere unless I had a family and therefore different needs
Great points wolverine.