[vonmoltke]

> Plus, even if your housing cost doubles, other expenses don't. Food costs, gas, vacations, and everything on Amazon is the same.

That is not what I see. Food seems to be about 10% - 15% higher than here in Dallas. Sales tax is slightly higher. Gas is definitely higher (about 20%). Travel from SeaTac is more expensive and less flexible than travel from DFW. I spend maybe $5000/year on online purchases and other things that would be the exact same price regardless of geography.

Everything, with the probable exception of insurance, is more expensive in the PNW than it is in the Midwest. It certainly is not as big a part of the calculation as housing, but it is not a wash.

[perspectivep]

Washington has no state income tax.

[vonmoltke]

Neither does Texas.