Ask HN: Is Silicon Valley really the best place for a startup?

There are both advantages and drawbacks. As you said, in term of cost it's very expensive.

In my opinion, I don't think it's a good place to START. It's good only for successful startup that want to grow bigger.

I read an article few months ago on NY times, that the best country to make startup is Signapore, it has lower taxes and governement encourages small companies.

Where you are right now is the best place to start.

That's why the salaries are higher there and startup costs could higher.