[project23]

While true, and more so in recent years than a few years ago, I think the cost of salary is way more ridiculous than it needs to be because of the bidding wars. Some are getting above market rate (or what market rate should have been) and stock out the door. That isn't typical for any other place. And college grads from Stanford are getting a premium for entry level salary according to a few TC articles I read that aren't typical for others.

[eshvk]

As a person who graduated 10 months back, I am not disagreeing with you that the raw numbers look crazy. However, when you normalize those taking into account environmental factors that I mentioned (housing, food and other expenses), I am not convinced you save remarkably more than you would in a different part of the country. Again, this is anecdotal evidence based on me living in SF and Austin, and knowing what salaries look like in both places.

[project23]

Sure. I'm basing mine on Portland, Seattle, and SF (areas I've lived in). I'm sure the housing price jump definitely adds to it more now than ever.