[throwaway911233]

I make ~$200k in an affordable city not on the coast. I could make $300k - $400k in NYC. I write and maintain programs for finance.

[AnimalMuppet]

How do you get a job in finance while not on the coast? Remote work? Work in a branch? Work for a regional outfit?

[quuquuquu]

My money is on Charlotte NC, or perhaps Austin or Dallas if Charlotte is considered the coast somehow.

200k in those areas is obviously quite good but not life-altering money. You'll need to work 5-10 years before you become a millionaire.

Anesthesiologists in that area can make up to 600k.

[flachsechs]

live on the coast for a while, build/augment your career and social circle, and then move somewhere else and keep your job(s).

note this plan actually involves dedicating years of your life to something without a guaranteed payoff or clearly defined steps, which is why it seems like such a mystery to most people.