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True, 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.

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Don'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.)

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