<prompt> Human: x-post from rCSCareerQuestions I graduated in May 2016 with my Bachelors in Computer Science, and while I can pad my resume with some coding work I did during my years at school, I am really under 2 years of professional experience. I am currently a level 2 software engineer one step above entry-level in Boise, ID. My base salary is 97,000, which is not as much as many of the posts youll see on rCSCareerQuestions, but with Boises low cost of living its actually a very comfortable salary. I live downtown in a decently sized, newly renovated apartment, within two blocks of work. Im able to save money and pay extra on my student loans. But still, I cant help but wonder if I could be doing better elsewhere.However, when I look at other cities known for high-paying software jobs, I cant imagine ever moving there. When I compare the cost of living, Id have to be making way more than Im worth to maintain the same standard of living. In Boise: Current Income: 97,000 About 5,130mo after deductions Current Budget: 2,719mo Budget Suprlus: 2,411mo 47 of net payBoise to Seattle: Cost of Living: 58 153,260 Median Base Salary: 118,034 Estimated 6,242mo after deductions Adjusted Budget: 4,296mo Budget Surplus: 1,946mo 31 of net payBoise to San Jose: Cost of Living: 62 157,140 Median Base Salary: 123,664 Estimated 6,540mo after deductions Adjusted Budget: 4,404mo Budget Surplus: 2,136mo 33 of net payBoise to San Fransisco: Cost of Living: 97 191,090 Median Base Salary: 124,555 Estimated 6,587mo after deductions Adjusted Budget: 5,356mo Budget Surplus: 1,231mo 19 of net payBoise to New York City: Cost of Living: 150 242,500 Median Base Salary: 106,768 Estimated 5,646mo after deductions Adjusted Budget: 6798mo Budget Surplus: -1,152mo !Cost of living statistics by Payscale Median base salary statistics by GlassdoorAm I missing something in my estimations? Or is it simply not worth it to look at these other cities at least until I think I can get a high-level position?  <response>: I think you are very well compensated for your region and level of experience. It makes total sense why you would not want to leave Boise without a massive pay increase. 