Jason V. Cuenco

Had dinner with one of the world’s best bespoke tailors, who happens to be based in Seoul. He mentioned that a one-bedroom apartment in the city now runs about $1,000 a month—up from just $400 a decade ago. A good restaurant meal? Around $7. Compare that to $3,000/ month rent and $25 dinners in San Francisco. This tailor taught himself the craft by studying books and now mentors young people entering the trade. That kind of passion-driven, craft-based work becomes nearly impossible in US cities unless we address the cost-of-living crisis—especially housing. And it’s not just about tailoring. Any vocation outside engineering, law, or finance—whether you're a musician, artist, or skilled tradesperson—is increasingly unsustainable in urban areas because of skyrocketing rents.