Yep - this is an extreme example, but the main reason it's a bad idea. If you live in a high cost of living area, but are okay living with roommates you can sa

Yep - this is an extreme example, but the main reason it's a bad idea. If you live in a high cost of living area, but are okay living with roommates you can save a ton of money. More than enough to make up the difference compared to living in a low cost of living area. You also get better quality of life and a lot more opportunities - meeting people for work/friends/dating. It's also better to have a high salary in order to more easily keep a high salary. I think you also learn more faster from increased exposure to talented people. I grew up in Buffalo which is a nice and very cheap place, but there was nobody to learn from.