Get a job, get another job
Saw this map on Facebook:
Really highlights how insane the cost of living is. But the solution is not as simple as increase minimum wage or getting another job. In many of these areas, wages are also depressed. So, using minimum wage as a measurement for this does at least make some sense. And the stats are depressing. A dad cannot ever hope to see his child during waking hours in some of these states. And in some of these states you may not even be physically able to work enough hours to pay rent. But people comfortable with their nice paying jobs will never understand this.