Reply #37: I don't think it's that you're more conscious at all [View All]

[dropkickpa]

I DO think it's a matter of local climate. In SoCal, you don't have winter to deal with. Gas bills of $400+/month for 4 months of the year. Wear and tear on vehicles is HUGE compared to SoCal due to potholes, snow, ice, cold, steep terrain, and road salt. The need for 2 totally separate wardrobes. In Pittsburgh, the cost of owning/renting property is much lower than in SoCal, but incomes are much lower (the exact same job that I have earns 2x as much in SoCal as here). Some food costs are lower in SoCal, especially in winter. I have to buy a snow shovel, sidewalk salt, etc. The majority of homes within the city of Pittsburgh are 75+ years old, the upkeep of which adds to total expenditures.

Most of the people I know live VERY frugally, taking public transit, clipping coupons, shopping mostly sales, stretching out every dollar.