Havesomeseichel:
“Joseph – Kosher food is more expensive in out of town areas. So are sefarim, tziyus clothing shops, frum items… many are shipped from NY. In some areas, housing is also more expensive.”
I think Joseph was absolutely correct here. Most out of town areas are NOT more expensive than NY – avg NY property taxes, housing costs, local taxes ALONE wipe out incrementally higher costs for kosher food. Plus, it depends on your lifestyle – yes, if you eat steak and potatoes every night it may cost more for kosher food. But housing alone can cost at least $100,000 * mortgate rate less over a 30 year loan, outside NY. NYS/NYC and NJ have some of the highest labor rates in the country, making many things here way more expensive (home/auto maintenance is one example that comes to mind). Those two states also have two of the highest property, state, and local tax rates in the country. States like Texas (with flourishing Jewish communities in Dallas and Houston) and Florida have a state income tax rate of 0%, alongside (generally) lower property taxes. I guesstimate it could cost anywhere from $15K-$35K less ANNUALLY to live outside NY, depending where, (save LA or Chicago) for your average frum NYer family.