I'm not in Software but my BF is SWE. He is L4 in G in the ads team. Him and I keep having this debate that its better to live elsewhere in US(Austin/Denver) other than in Bay Area in terms of savings, cost, work-life balance and in future starting a family. I earn $110K, and his is the average L4 grade salary. My point is, that in the long run, if we live elsewhere we will be able to save a lot more with out combined income. He is worried that moving to Austin/Denver would mean he will get paid less, but then you don't need Bay Area kind of money elsewhere because the expenses aren't that high. In Austin, if we can together maintain 200-250K, we can still live an amazing life. He says its better to live here because the stock refresh he gets is more in Bay Area than in other locations - Is that true? Does it matter? Our lifestyles are very simple. We don't shop a lot and don't go out to a lot of fancy places. We like to travel, but in moderation and we try to keep it all in budget. If my questions aren't clear, that because i'm not from the software industry and i don't know in detail how everything works around it. So its okay if you make your assumptions and answer based on that. Thanks!
This is mostly driven by housing; if you’re fine in a small apartment and can keep housing costs down, you can do better in the bay. If you want a nice big house and some land in a good school district, definitely not the bay. I would price out housing in other areas to figure out what the equivalent income is (and also consider different taxes). Between my wife and I we make $330k in Portland OR, which affords us a very nice life.
I think ya’ll should stay in the bay until you have kids. Make oodles of money here and then when you want to start a family you can move somewhere with good schools, property, etc
He can’t hop from F to N to G anywhere else so in the long term his career and income might suffer. Housing is more expensive but if you can tolerate a longer commute it is not that bad. With total TC 350K to 400K you two can afford to live in BA.
I would think that being tech DINKs is the ideal situation for the Bay Area. Have you guys travelled to Austin and Denver? I'd visit them and base your decision on whether you think they fit your lifestyle better. With good incomes and modest lifestyles you will be able to save money no matter where you live..
How many YoE do both of you have?
Me 2.5, him 5.
How did u two meet ?
Not saying you should stay but just a factor to consider, when your BF gets to L5 he will make 50% more and then it is easier to be in the Bay Area
You are right.
What abt his RSUs refresher thing. Is he right that he gets more here and less in other places? We are 27yrs old. What would you suggest as a middle ground?
RSU s are a function of cost of living. I do not think the initial grant changes based on relocation however the refresh will be based on col of the new city. I think it’s not a bad idea to try it out. If it does not work out you can always come back.