London COL is very similar to SF/NY I believe.

Thanks to trains you can commute into London fairly easily from somewhere more affordable. And it isn't driving so you can work or read as well.

Not really, anywhere that's convenient to London has basically the same prices as London. If you do end up saving money it's because you're taking one of those awkward 90minute+ journeys.

sure, if you like reading standing up for 90 minutes while someone breathes down your neck.

The transit system is exploding, living in the commuter belt these days is a special kind of hell for a lot of people.

And don't think you're getting seats on the underground either.

Precisely. Bay Area is unlike any other.

It is. Of course, I haven't worked anywhere with onshore coders in quite some time.

I can totally get why if little/no-exp devs are expecting six figure salaries.