What adult is paying 2k in rent in SV, with 4 roommates that may be possible... If you want to live like that fine but most of America can afford to buy a substantial house for 2k a month.
> many software developers in SV might make over 100K (most do) but have vastly less money left over to actually save compared to someone earning less than half that in other places.
Not that he couldn't afford to buy a substantial house in SF.
[0] https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/411A-Lincoln-Way-San-Fran...
Frankly a realistic number is $3000/mo for a 1BR and my point is that you could own an incredible home in most of the country for that price. People in SV have Stockholm Syndrome and justify the horrendous cost of living, rampant homelessness, insane working hours etc. with their cries of "but look at all my stock options!"
Meanwhile their counterparts in places like Austin make over $100k, can easily own a substantial home, have excellent life-work balance and shocker... have SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS as well.