And as an added data point: living in silicon valley isn't much more expensive either. You can rent an apartment for 1400 [1]. State income taxes are a bit high

And as an added data point: living in silicon valley isn't much more expensive either. You can rent an apartment for 1400 [1]. State income taxes are a bit higher, but you'll also spend a lot less on gas :). Otherwise it's pretty similar (unless you want to live in the swanky parts of PA) [1] http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/apa/pen?query=&srchType=A&minAsk=1000&maxAsk=1400&bedrooms=&nh=81 http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/apa/pen?query=&srchTy...