> But if you're in the "average software engineer salary" range in SF, the falloff going to a mid-sized city is not nearly as steep. But that is exactly why En

> But if you're in the "average software engineer salary" range in SF, the falloff going to a mid-sized city is not nearly as steep. But that is exactly why Engineers want to be in SF! Other markets won’t compensate you nearly as well, or increase your compensation as much, as companies in the Bay Area. However, if one has a family and kids, I could see moving to a city with more affordable housing and good schools as a worthy trade off.