Ignoring the lifestyle argument (SF/City life vs. Boise, Denver), there's a practical aspect too. I would take the right offer in SF and relocate there because

Ignoring the lifestyle argument (SF/City life vs. Boise, Denver), there's a practical aspect too. I would take the right offer in SF and relocate there because if the company went under, or I didn't like it, or it somehow didn't end up working out, I am confident I could find something else comparable. I can't say the same thing about any of the cheaper places you mentioned.