I think one reason Kendall rents aren't a topic of discussion is also because the Boston/Cambridge area has lower rent areas that are close by and accessible vi

I think one reason Kendall rents aren't a topic of discussion is also because the Boston/Cambridge area has lower rent areas that are close by and accessible via public transportation. While it's nice to live right where things are happening, you could easily get a place out in Davis Sq or Porter Sq and take the T in, or in Somerville or Union Sq and have a 10 minute bike ride. From what I gather, as a fellow Cambridge resident, the problem in the Bay Area is that areas with Somerville-level rent result in an HOUR+ commute, rather than a 10-minute commute. There's a lot that's great about the bay area, but I think we certainly have the upper hand here when it comes to [reasonably priced] city live-ability and transportation.