5 ms·
The problem I have with the cost of living argument is that, while housing tends to be cheaper, an iPad or a new car is not. That lower salary hurts everywhere
by zippergz 12y ago
The problem I have with the cost of living argument is that, while housing tends to be cheaper, an iPad or a new car is not. That lower salary hurts everywhere except in mortgage or rent. And I say this as someone who has never lived in the Bay Area and hopefully never will.
- kevan 12y agoTrue, but mortgage or rent is one of the largest items in most people's budgets. A new software engineer in Minneapolis can comfortably buy a house and start building equity. A new software engineer in the bay area probably can't even with the >40% salary difference.
- kxo 12y agoDon't forget the close-to-10% state income tax (at engineer income), higher sales tax, CA SDI, higher food/utility costs, higher insurance, etc. If you're lucky enough to work in a state with no (or low/fixed) income tax, that 10% combined with the hilarious housing cost situation covers the spread in salary difference very quickly. And if you're working remotely there are obviously other potential lifestyle savings to be had (parking, generally less restaurant expenses, etc.)