Cost of influence, too. Granted, it’s not something most in tech think about.
Every political system has patrician and plebeian tracks. In America, the former can be bought (versus solely inherited). Being a politically-active patrician in New York involves an expensive list of patronage. That’s where the power players are, and that’s where you’ll cut casual deals.
It’s optional. And it’s different from civic responsibility. But unless you think the status quo is hunky dory, you’re going to want to change things, and the cost of access varies geographically.
I’ve seen billionaires quibble over ca. $25k tables. And $300k gives you enough to, outside tier 1 cities, access, if not be kingmaker on, state politics on the patrician track. The cartoon impression of American high politics is stupidly off, starting with how coördinated it presumes the system to be.
> Doctors and drugs who are in-network for insurance would be the same cost anywhere in the US
I don't believe this to be true. For example for dental here is a price scaling chart based on where you live: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/dental-vision/plan-...
I don't think people are spending upwards of $2,500 per month on impulse purchases on Amazon, groceries, or whatever, and blaming it on 'cost of living'
In Ohio I got twice the house for half the price compared to Austin. The cost of milk and eggs are way down there
Amazon and Walmart online, Whole Foods and Trader Joes in person. Doctors and drugs who are in-network for insurance would be the same cost anywhere in the US
It really is mostly childcare and housing that really kills you in the expensive cities