House hacking in high-cost areas versus in low-cost areas?

[Joseph Griffith]

Are there differences to consider when house hacking in a high-cost area versus house hacking in a low-cost area? Does this change depending on whether or not I make a 20% downpayment?

[Brian Ellwood]

Originally posted by @Joseph Griffith:

@Brian Ellwood Thanks. I have the freedom to move anywhere in the U.S. as long as I can afford it as an entry-level programmer and a major factor for me is the ability to build wealth for an early retirement. I want to live where I can build wealth and house hacking is purportedly an effective wealth-building strategy. I was actually considering Denver until I saw the median house price. Now I'm leaning towards St. Louis, Charlotte or Durham. Thoughts?

Live where you want to live, where you'll have the most fun, and learn to invest long distance in markets that make sense for rentals. I live in CO and invest in TN and AL no problem.