25k here, I would never want to move closer to a big city than an hour or so. My wage is regulated on federal level, so it's the same for everyone in a similar position. But living costs are really low so the same income means in fact a lot more money to spend. In parts it gets eaten up by having to drive everywhere, but it's still fine. And the silence. I don't wake up by cars, I wake up by the birds singing. In the evening on the balcony, we talk quietly not to disturb the silence around us. If I want to be on my own I just go to the nearby forest. I'm still in the cinema and in several bars within 15 min walking. Visiting bigger towns (60k would be already a big town imho) makes me always realize how much I love my small place.