When FOs got paid $46.36/hr, no it’s not. That’s not enough to pay rent in the NE (and in most places) let alone support yourself nowadays.

Have a dual income household, but the other person can’t just pick up and leave to another job that’ll match pay? You’re commuting. Have a side hustle to help pay bills and can’t move that over? You’re commuting. Spouse is a lawyer/doctor/nurse/whatever and needs to pass the other state’s exam to practice said career? You’re commuting.

No, commuting is not always a choice. This is the oldest argument out there and it really highlights the ignorance of a lot of people in this industry.