you should visit California to see how insane it is. San Francisco has the highest minimum wage in NorCal, about $18.50/hour, but a Big Mac meal costs $15 plus tax. if you feel like eating some entry-level Asian food like wonton noodles, Vietnamese pho, or Japanese ramen, it will cost you $15 to $22 plus tax. something decent like steak or a 3-course meal could easily be $50 to $100 even if you do NOT drink. let's not forget there is a mandatory gratuity charge of 15 to 25% when you dine out.
the salmon that can be consumed raw must be of "sashimi grade" such as the sliced ones you purchased. The whole ones are for cooking and generally not sashimi grade and not to be eaten uncooked. that's why it is cheaper. They are still super fresh.
