[MyHypatia]

Because that's where many good paying jobs are. If I buy a home in a lower cost of living area, and my employer decides to do away with remote work, I may not be able to find another job that can pay the mortgage even though it is in a cheaper area.

[BehindBlueEyes]

A house in a cheaper area may not require a Bay area salary to cover the mortgage. If employers did away with remote work, getting a job that pays less but doesn't require moving can be a viable choice but it is all a matter of lifestyle choices and priorities.

[MyHypatia]

Sure, it almost certainly won't unless you buy a mansion. However, a job is still required to pay a mortgage, save for retirement, have health insurance, and cover living expenses. In a lower cost area, there are fewer job opportunities. If I spend 40+ hours a week at my job, I'd prefer it to be a job where I don't spend my days looking at the clock waiting for the day to be over every single day.

[donatj]

What good is a high paying job in a high cost area? You'd have the same or better outcome with a lower paying job in a lower cost area.