The housing is cheaper currently, the food is/can be cheaper. More transportation options exist. Taxes are mostly the same. Activities within city limits are much more numerous, varied, and unique than SF or any city in the bay area. The greater area having attractions too.

2400 sq feet two story 3 bd/2ba apartment with 30 minutes commute to Google via subway $4k/mo

maybe in Hoboken on the New Jersey side??? I mean its a viable option but people don't generally talk about it like its a viable option in public?

Maybe the west side of the Bronx on the express train?

Brooklyn. Off the L.

think the bay still pays more