I was shocked by how inexpensive food was in SF compared to what I'd been used to on the east coast. That was 15-ish years ago though.

Gas is so expensive in the midwest. It's ridiculous and a hardship for anyone who can't take public transit to work.

I'm not going to lie. The multiple showerhead system that your money buys you at The Royal York, or the Half Moon Villa with cook, driver, and maid, or the just damned beautiful decor at The Hudson--more money than I'm willing to take out of my pocket (I just can't wrap my head around spending my money on hotels...leather coats, I get, and electronics...just not hotels), but I can see where the money has gone.

In my head I separate expensiveness for a real reason from inflation for prestige. And as I go along, I learn more. Swimsuits? Don't be distracted by the amount of fabric. That's not where your money went. More money goes into stitching the seams. Or why this car costs more than that--sometimes you're paying for the brand name, sometimes you're paying for the whisper quiet engine (how silent would an electric Lexus be? It'd be like a black hole of sound, I wager).

And then I read about things like this tuck box some of my relatives were selling for hundreds of dollars.

Dude. Box. Sure,you can do things to boxes to make them more expensive--use more expensive materials, for one. But still...box?

I had a much more streamlined point when I started. Mostly I want them to bring me my food so I can lay back down. And some Benadryl, so my dilaudid-induced itch can go away.

Cool! This computer is a Linux box! I don't even know where the computer is. In the wall somewhere, maybe. All I get is flatscreen panel and cramped keyboard, but I'm surfing from a Linux box. Good choice, hospital people.

I felt plenty wealthy three years ago, because I had a lot (well, to me) saved up and my living arrangement choices were made based on having no car payment and $1.75/gallon gasoline. Nowadays not so much, as a new car loan and higher gas prices have put me a bit in the red each month. But I certainly don't feel poor, and stubbornly remain in the situation because I'm happier with where I live than I ever have been previously.

I feel incredibly lucky that we could afford a house. We were on a five-year intense savings plan to afford to buy a small condo, and my brother lending us the downpayment allowed us to get a house and to do it this year. (Now our savings plan goes to paying him back!) We live frugally, with 10-year-old cars and no fancy clothes or eating in expensive restaurants and vacations once every three years or so or whatever, but I feel very content. Even on a budget, I have real luxuries like TiVo and going to live concerts a few times a year and pretty Fiestaware to eat off of and being able to hire someone to scrape the popcorn off the ceilings of our new place instead of doing it ourselves. I am lucky and I know I am.

Here's an old NYT article about the state of hangriness:

[link]

Monthly metro pass? $45.

Wow! In Rochester, NY the monthly bus pass is $56 and Starbucks is about $4.50. I could buy a house for $70,000, though, and my rent is $485 for a one bedroom with a full attic, additional alcove, huge kitchen, and screen in back porch.

I guess I'm an asshole.

I think his assholish-ness is related to his complete inability to express any sincere appreciation what he does have. (note: I haven't read the article)

Gas was more expensive in the Bay Area, food was cheaper. Rents were about the same -- but that means there was a full spectrum. Housing stock is greater in DC and more varied.

Food, gas, and housing are all premium priced up here!

Woo!

(I just can't wrap my head around spending my money on hotels...leather coats, I get, and electronics...just not hotels)

I'm willing to pay more for hotels in specific situations. If I'm going to the F2F, my hotel room is pretty much just a place to sleep and shower, and while I'd prefer that it not be a bug-infested motel hell, neither does it have to be a swanky 4-star experience.

But if I'm going on vacation with my honey, and it's our first vacation together, and we've both expressed a serious need to just veg and loaf around (not a euphemism), then I'm willing to pay more for a nicely appointed B&B/inn that will give us room and comfort to loaf around.

That said, my idea of "paying more" means $160/night at a B&B which will feed us twice a day. Factor in the food as well as our expressed desire to loaf around in comfort, and that's not really a whole lot more than a Holiday Inn, and paying the difference is worth it to me.