Numerous factors. I work in the midwest, where the cost of living is dramatically lower (in fact, in terms of salary/cost of living, it may actually be better)

Numerous factors. I work in the midwest, where the cost of living is dramatically lower (in fact, in terms of salary/cost of living, it may actually be better). You also trade in some potential returns for a large reduction in potential risk - I know that the company I work for will be around 10 years from now, probably even 100 years from now. Other benefits are better - paid time off, retirement benefits, etc. Many of the companies in the field are also somewhat prestigious - similar to landing a job at google or apple - so they have their pick of newgrads (which in itself doesn't account for the pay difference). Really, I think it all comes down to location. You can get a ~1500-2000sf house on 10 acres here within 30 minutes of work for $200-$300k. Crazy cheap compared to the west coast.