What are this ? Whats wrong with rich people ? Why they hate money?
Maybe we're considering them rich because $120,000 in a year is a huge amount for us, but for them who choose to live near the places where there are a lot of opportunities to earn more are lurking around, these numbers does not mean so much for them.
They maybe earning way more than us, but their cost of living are way over priced as well.
They're not actually wasting money, we just all have different preferences. The amount of rent they paid is enough to have comfortable living to a place where everything is accessible.
Anyone who spends such an amount, earns a very high income. Some of them also work around the neighbourhood. Moving to a house outside these major cities would lead to additional transportation and other costs. We should also take into account that these cities have higher-paying jobs than other cities.
I would frown at people who are struggling to pay house rent in these expensive areas. But if you can afford it, it doesn't matter how much you pay for an accommodation that is comfortable and makes life easier. I work in a rural area where the standard of living is low. But I wouldn't live there because there are fewer business and employment opportunities there. Urban areas also have better infrastructure and security.