I understand NY, California real estate taxes and home/rent prices. What other factors are considered in HCL areas? Gas is more expensive in some areas depending on gas taxes.
Example: We live in downstate IL. I'm comparing to Chicago and suburbs. Housing, property taxes and gas are clearly higher in Chicago/suburbs. But the number and variety of discount stores, grocery options, house maintenance costs (huge variety of contractors to choose from in Chicago), available choices for every restaurant/bar you can think of, from super exclusive to super cheap(but good). We've been hoping for a Costco, Whole Foods, Ikea for years. We are so limited in furniture stores. Granted, Amazon makes it easier, but I"d like to have to option to shop in person.
Example: We live in downstate IL. I'm comparing to Chicago and suburbs. Housing, property taxes and gas are clearly higher in Chicago/suburbs. But the number and variety of discount stores, grocery options, house maintenance costs (huge variety of contractors to choose from in Chicago), available choices for every restaurant/bar you can think of, from super exclusive to super cheap(but good). We've been hoping for a Costco, Whole Foods, Ikea for years. We are so limited in furniture stores. Granted, Amazon makes it easier, but I"d like to have to option to shop in person.