&gt; nice to earn $120k in Silicon Valley  
&gt; $3500&#x2F;m rent for a 1br apt<p>I think you are a bit off on both :)<p>Salary:<p>As a Software Engineer, chances are you can a bit more (especially including bonus + RSU). If you&#x27;re &quot;senior&quot; you can earn quite a bit more.<p>Also: There are tons of other small perks that add up (phone&#x2F;internet reimbursement, free food, public transport pass, free electric car charging, ...)<p>Rent:<p>You can currently get a 2 BR, 2 BR in Mountain View for about $3500 (managed newish building 2 minutes from Castro)<p>(Source: moved to Valley from Europe via Boston)