Quality of life+living costs? San Diego(Qualcomm) vs Bay Area (Oracle Redwood).
I am expecting offers from the two companies TC 113k+25k signon vs 205k (expected from Oracle...same as what my friend got). I am still in early stages with Oracle but I am quite confident that i will get an offer. Everyone on blind says that SD has better quality of life. Can people who have lived in both places tell me how exactly does the QOL differ? I mean in what ways? (I don't drink or go to bars/clubbing... if that matters) Secondly, everyone says that SD is cheaper than Bay but I have been looking at rental prices and the prices are very similar, 1.9k-2.3k for a 1 bed apartment in both areas. Am I doing something wrong? I have checked multiple websites like hotpads, apartments.com etc.
2.3 for a 1br is too low. pictures don’t show the neighbourhood. 9 miles to work? That’s 1 hour in traffic.
San Diego also leans more conservative. Don’t forget that it is a military town. Nothing wrong with that, but if that bothers you, take it into consideration.
You can get a 1 bed apartment for much less than 2k in SD. Look at Mira Mesa. It’s close to Sorrento Valley where Qualcomm is located. I think when you are older San Diego is better (more laid back, cheaper, more well rounded people, and can buy a house), but based off your username it seems like you are graduating this semester so I would stay in the bay. More companies to choose from and easier to build your network.
I lived in SD before, and I definitely miss SD a lot. 125K is not bad in SD, as long as you don’t live in fancy apts.
What are some great things about SD (off the top of your head)?
Lots of great places to hike; Summer at the beach; Bars in GasLamp if you’re in to that; Fewer homeless people; Car windows don’t get smashed, etc.
Can’t you negotiate Qualcomm offer with Oracle Offer ?
Qualcomm recruiter said non negotiable. In any case I am still in early stages with Oracle (updated the original post).
Go with Oracle if you get the offer
Very unlikely you get an 1 bed aptmt for 2k in the Bay Area unless you move to East Palo Alto or something expect 2.5k at least for a studio
stop spreading fake news. studios can be easily found for under 2000 in santa clara even
ok I lived and worked for Qcom for 7 years, lived in So Cal for 8 years, I just moved to bay area, Redwood city to be precise, probably where you are going to go for Oracle, quality of life, people, vibrant, more lively, more culture and more warmth anyday in SD, i am preparing to go back, literally if someone pays you 100k more also I would say still stay back on So Cal, I might be a bit biased as I have a family, but its not worth it . It’s literally a dead zone here in redwood city, san carlos, san mateo area.. I used to live in La jolla, Its almost living in Maui + Miami close to it( I have visited and lived at both places), so yeah I would say young or with family .. ( though I do not regret leaving qualcomm ) I dont even want to start on the Monopoly of the rent mafia here, They charge exorbitant rents for extremely shitty houses.. DM me I can tell you where to live in La jolla, if you want to go to SD
Which apartments are good to live in la jolla? Looking for something close to qualcomm offices
@parrotcork: can i DM you? Looking for advice and experience of bay area vs SD long-term. I am Currently in SD and expecting bay offers outside QCOM but still not sure if will b a good move
If you are young I would say go with Oracle . I think even if you pay 3k in rent u still come out on top. Difference in salary post tax is much more than the entire rent You will pay for the year . Seems no brainer to me as financial decision . But most imp thing to consider is where will u learn the most to be the deciding factor .I would just put 25k pre tax in cost of living difference if you are single.
The rent is wrong. Bay Area is like 3k for studio if you want newer apps. Maybe 2.3k if you take older studio