Let's not forget though that there are quite a few reasons why a lot of people would prefer to live in the Bay Area vs. Kansas City. Off the top of my head...

Let's not forget though that there are quite a few reasons why a lot of people would prefer to live in the Bay Area vs. Kansas City. Off the top of my head... - The weather - Stunning beaches, world-class skiing, hiking/camping, wine tasting, and more all within a couple hours drive - Incredibly liberal - A plethora of amazing food options representing pretty much every cuisine in existence - Easy transit to Asian countries and that half of the world - Strong concentration of tech jobs, giving employees leverage and reduced risk even in a down market Rent alone is not always a factor, and there are often many sound reasons for the differences in housing and demand.