You can build a career in a Tier 3 city or in a metro.
Some people living in a Tier-3 city have clients niched down to the core, that they make 2x-5x more than their (would-have-been) annual salary.
While some folks with comfortable jobs in metros struggle to stay bare minimally happy and contented.
A well-designed system to help you focus, be creative, collaborate, and allow you to rest is what makes a great career.