[jigglysquishy]

QoL is hyper regional. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, you can make mistake after mistake and still end up a homeowner by 30. I know people with downpayments of $10k. Hell, I had a buddy buy a decent quality condo for $120k. Disposable income is high.

We have houses in the hood for under $50,000.

In Southern Ontario and BC, you can make smart choice after smart choice, work hard and have family help, and still be far from being a homeowner at 35. If you buy, disposable income is low.

Maritimes, Alberta; and Quebec is in between.

I don't think people from Toronto/Vancouver understand how cheap housing is here and how it completely changes your life. There's no saving for a downpayment for years. There's no 1 hour commute. Vacations for median income earners are plentiful. Retirement at 55 is doable. Retirement by 60 is very common.

It's basically two different worlds.