Same. Which is why I'm considering moving out of state. The housing market in NJ has IMPROVED over the past few months, but there are places that are definitely more affordable.

To OP, I didn't see what field you were in, but 73k out of college is pretty good. If your job is something you can do remotely and you want to live on your own, consider moving out of state. Take your NJ salary to somewhere it stretches further.

I get it's tough to leave NJ, but if you haven't yet, travel within the US and explore different cities. You might find that another city/state has more of what you want, but you're just "comfortable" right now.

Change can be nerve-wracking, but sometimes it's the best decision.

EDIT- I wish I was making $73k