Both men and women can be superficial. A lot of men want a perfect 22 year old woman even if they are 53 and pot-bellied. And a lot of these women "expect" the man to be able to afford $500 dinners.

In smaller towns, men are more likely to date "normal" women who are age-appropriate and women are less focused on wealth. Since people are more interested in the real person rather than superficial stuff, the relationships are more satisfying and meaningful.

All that being said - if you are a guy who wants a woman with a perfect physique despite not having one himself, but don't want to be judged on your own earning power... live by the sword, die by it.