I spend less than half the average of my state. But, I bought my house almost 30 years ago, now, so my mortgage is $800.

I lost my job once, and ended up working for just over half of what I was making before. And, I was able to get by. I remember being a bit mad at myself for blowing so much money when I made more, I could have been saving it.

Cost of living index averages metro-area data in every state, using US as a baseline of 100 (2025)