Is this at purchasing power parity? The gap in standard of living is not large at all if you factor in cost differentials. Look at home prices for example. Compare NY or California to say, Alabama.
There is no comparison. Home prices in Alabama are VASTLY cheaper - as is everything else. $100K is a good salary in most red states....not great but certainly good. You can’t even afford to live in say Boston or LA on that. You’d need roommates at the very least.
That's what I was thinking as well.