well i don't live in a cheap area by us standards, but houses in the less entertaining midlands seem to be around twice the price and rent is much lower here even though i'm in something of a cultural hub, taxes are lower (we pay 13.7% of our declared income in income taxes but most of that is for social security (=national insurance) and there is no sales tax), running a vehicle is much cheaper (i'm not sure about insurance though), there is no tv licence to pay (of course there isn't a whole lot of beeb), no equivalent of council tax (unless you are a property owner). we live comfortably (large apartment, two vehicles, cell phone, cable internet and tv, plenty of alcohol and frequent social outings including many to seattle) on around $25k a year. anything over that is saved for retirement. i reckon to live this way in england would require more like 25 thousand quid and that would be feasible but it would mean much more work. there is no way i could do so in such beautiful surroundings sinc eall the nice bits of the uk are too remote or hideously expensive. now if only they would legalise betting on the internet here.....