[TrickzOnU]

Yes, i'd take a $70k salary while living in North Carolina. But the "shortage" being discussed here is for the Bay Area. I'm here, let me break down my costs: - $17k taxes - $3k health care premiums - $7k college loans - $36k rent - almost nothing left for savings, retirement, down payment, engagement ring, any means to get out of my situation

[macjohnmcc]

You couldn't afford to get married if you can't afford an engagement ring.

[jajern]

You can get married for about $60 (or the cost of a marriage license in your area). Of course, if you want a Wedding then that's a little different.

[thefastlane]

not sure what you mean?

[progressive_dad]

I think I got the gist of OP's comment... Computer programmers make higher than the average salary. If you're barely making ends meet as a programmer your significant other is probably NOT making ends meet. Living together and sharing expenses saves some money but you'll probably be just about back where you started once you're married and co-habitating with your spouse.

Then comes kids...

[bogomipz]

Can I ask what 36K in rent affords and roughly which part of the Bar Area?

[nedwin]

$3k per month should get you a studio apartment in the Mission, SOMA, downtown etc.

If you're willing to share you can get for cheaper. If you want 1 bedroom you're going to struggle to find something for $3k.

[climb12]

Less 3k a month is in solid 1 bedroom territory for those neighborhoods these days. Around ~$2700 is what I'm seeing in my search for decent 1bedrooms in good SF neighborhoods.

[bogomipz]

That's still pretty crazy though. What if you had a kid(s)? That's $2700 a month that could be building equity somewhere else.

From what I have seen the salary spread between say SF and NYC is not enough to compensate for the higher rental costs in SF.

[progressive_dad]

I don't know why you got down voted. You're absolutely right. Most everyone will tell you, "Its about maxing total compensation as much as you can to boost your overall earnings!"

Good luck with burning out at 35 with no passive income streams. I'd rather build equity, and even have a couple of rental properties from being a top 10% earner in a smaller area. That's a million dollar piggy bank being filled by someone else AND a passive income stream on which to retire.