If your friend is really pulling in $200k+ in Baltimore, and the reason is because he is very experienced and talented, I can promise him there is a $300k+ comp

If your friend is really pulling in $200k+ in Baltimore, and the reason is because he is very experienced and talented, I can promise him there is a $300k+ compensation package waiting for him in SF. $200k is just a bit above new grad comp at a place like Google or Facebook. If he values home ownership, then Baltimore is much better situation for him for sure. If he doesn't, then it becomes much more of a tossup at that point and more variables come into play.