I've lived in a few expensive cities (Sydney and Shanghai). The salary is higher and more work opportunities, but you pay a lot more for things.

We chose to move more remote and are quite enjoying it. We also have found that if you keep things pretty simple, you don't really need to earn too much. Things like growing your own vegetables, buying necessities when they're discounted can start to add up. I also don't want to spoil the kids too much either.