I'm from Ireland and I have been living/working in tech in the Bay Area for the last 6 years. While rent in SF is more expensive pretty much everything else (groceries, booze, coffee, restaurants) are significantly cheaper than in Dublin (25-50% cheaper). The average base salary in the Bay Area (excluding bonuses and equity)is more than twice what you would get in Ireland.
This plus the greater variety of work options and culture made it worth the hassle for me. Also If you are willing to live in Oakland/Berkeley rent is a lot more reasonable.
This plus the greater variety of work options and culture made it worth the hassle for me. Also If you are willing to live in Oakland/Berkeley rent is a lot more reasonable.