Honestly it sounds like everyone who doesn't like San Diego would really like the bay area.

I tend to agree that salaries in SD don't match the cost of living - at least in tech. The southern California lifestyle isn't for everyone, but if you like the beach it's tough to beat in the continental US.

Bay area cost of living is tough too, even with the higher salary ranges. I had never even heard of a "micro-loft" until I came to SF.

In the end, I'm a big fan of both SD and the bay area. Both areas have huge benefits to offset their respective problems.