[netmau5]

I researched living in Seattle for a while, so I definitely know how steep the difference is in cost of living. Sometimes I feel like it is a little overstated though.

I think the calculations assume you intend to live there permanently; if you don't, a large investment in a home is irrelevant. I think this factor is what makes it possible for so many to come work on visa for less than a citizen would make: they intend to go back to their lower cost location with money in the bank.

Also, as software engineers, the value we create isn't as localized as it is in many other professions. This fact doesn't account for too much, but it also means our salaries shouldn't be linearly bound to cost-of-living.

On another note, I'm glad to see demand for developers result in some increased salaries. We've been hearing much about the Google/Facebook recruiting wars in this regard. Salaries dove and stagnated after the last recession, albeit it was a radically different situation in nature.

[snprbob86]

I'm a single guy living in a high-quality studio apartment in Seattle's Capital Hill neighborhood. I eat out often, drink too much beer, and participate in many other costly social/event outings. I've got a car in the garage, insurance(s), and several other expenses for "nice to haves". I spend about $35k/yr. Before quitting, I was making $86k/yr plus benefits/bonus/stock as a new college hire with a strong resume.

[darklajid]

I really need to visit the states if beer is that cheap over there.. :)

On a sidenote, to add something on-topic: So a fresh graduate (with a strong resume, granted) in Seattle makes 130% of my 5 years experience salary in one of the biggest cities in Germany. I cannot believe the cost of living is that much higher, so - wow, I'm impressed.

[DennisP]

I used to live in Germany and I gotta tell ya, the cheap beer here will deeply disappoint you.

[timr]

"I researched living in Seattle for a while, so I definitely know how steep the difference is in cost of living. Sometimes I feel like it is a little overstated though."

Well, let me put it this way: I lived in Seattle for nearly a decade, and while it was expensive, my rent was less than half of what I'm paying now. I could live in my own apartment on a graduate student stipend (~$30k), and still save a bit each month. There's no way I could do that here.

It's tough to overstate the cost of living adjustment that's necessary to move to the bay area. It's insanely expensive.