I'd say take the offer. $60k isn't a huge amount in the Bay Area (the cost of living is crazy here), but it's definitely enough to live on if you're 19. ~0.1% e

I'd say take the offer. $60k isn't a huge amount in the Bay Area (the cost of living is crazy here), but it's definitely enough to live on if you're 19. ~0.1% equity is also a bit on the low side. BUT, I think the most important factor is the experience. If the guys you're going to be working with are top-class and if you think you'll learn a lot (sounds like it), then take the job and don't worry about the compensation too much. Working with intelligent colleagues is the best way to become a better hacker, not to mention making great networking contacts and positioning yourself for a higher-paying job down the line. When you're just starting your career, 60k vs. 75k doesn't make nearly as much of a difference as working with "B" coworkers vs. working with "A+" superstars. As far as living in SF, there's a big difference between living in San Francisco itself and living in the SF Bay Area. SF will be somewhat more expensive, but it's a blast when you're young, and I'm guessing a big upgrade from Missouri. The Bay Area is a lot more suburban; there's less culture, and you typically need to go to San Francisco or San Jose if you want to go out.