I think the problem is that most people don't get offered the same in cheaper areas, that money gets absorbed by the company. Even if you argue that the actual

I think the problem is that most people don't get offered the same in cheaper areas, that money gets absorbed by the company. Even if you argue that the actual take-home is cheaper, people aren't as good at evaluating those things, and SF etc sound like more fun. I say this as a dev in SF. I frequently skim different locations in the US and abroad and SF usually is highest paying.