Joseph, be realistic. Don’t compare those times with current times. It says
הכהן אשר יהי’ בימים ההם the kohen who serves in that time. The Haflah says in sefer Panim Yafos that you cannot question from one time to another.
We currently compete with the Joneses.
Actually many have to compete with the hipsters of Williamsburg who can afford to pay more and drive up the rents. Soon they will move to Borough park and Flatbush