Seattle is cheaper than Portland at this point for being anywhere decent. Have friends in both and visit often, Portland has really jumped the shark and is very

Seattle is cheaper than Portland at this point for being anywhere decent. Have friends in both and visit often, Portland has really jumped the shark and is very overrated. Also have a friend who just left Portland for San Diego because San Diego is now cheaper, and the weather isn't atrocious for 10 months. The other places you mention are little college towns without any industry, could be appropriate for people in their early 20s who have their own job to bring. Spokane and Pullman are really cheap, but they're in the middle of nowhere. Reno is probably the best of the bunch, it's nice and has more of an economy, plus it's a relatively short drive back to civilization and San Francisco. Some parts of Phoenix are really nice, as is Tucson, affordable, great weather, etc but the always-in-your-face abrasive politics of AZ can be off putting. It's a bit further out, but I think the South will be major growth areas for tech. Highly affordable, friendly people, good weather for most of the year, great cities and culture, etc.