You are correct -- I haven't checked on Austin in quite a while. However, my point is you don't have to choose between an expensive, top US tech hub and leavin

You are correct -- I haven't checked on Austin in quite a while. However, my point is you don't have to choose between an expensive, top US tech hub and leaving the states entirely if you want a more chill, laid back, and less expensive lifestyle. There are like 50 other cities in the US that offer all the amenities of a big city, with chill jobs and without the sky-high COL.