[nadams]

I don't understand your point -

Assuming $2k/month is $40k - that is almost half of $100k. So almost half your salary is going towards just rent.

Let's say you made $50k in a suburb area - using your numbers you would only pay $10k/year for a mortgage ($500/month) - with only $20k difference in salary.

$100k in CA ~ $60k $50k in suburbs ~ $40k

Realistically you would probably make $60-$70k in suburb areas which, according to your numbers, would make the same if not more AND own a house.

Of course this is ignoring other factors like food, utilities, bills and taxes.