This is something a lot of us have instinctively felt for a long time, hence all job action in places like Austin, Denver, Raleigh, etc. And I've worked in SF,

This is something a lot of us have instinctively felt for a long time, hence all job action in places like Austin, Denver, Raleigh, etc. And I've worked in SF, Denver and Raleigh, NC enough to know the differences. If I can make 6 figures in both SF and Raleigh, the cost of living and quality of life are insanely better in Raleigh. I own a condo, a car and have tons of discretionary income. For the same type of work in the bay area, I'd have to contend with ridiculous rents, ridiculous taxes, longish commutes and increased expenses on food/misc items. These increases are not commensurate with the increase in salary that usually goes along with moving to the bay area. My actual income when adjusted for these factors is better than friends who make ~200k in SF.