I live in the Bay Area, and I thought I made “good” money. But I moved from Naahville several years ago, where it was good money.<p>Now that I’m in the Bay, I realize it’s very very hard to get ahead here. Friends in other places have homes, investment properties, stability. I just have my good pay, but it doesn’t ever seem to leave much over for serious savings for things I can afford here.<p>I just wonder how everyone else does it. Am I managing my money wrong? It’s possible I could be better.<p>What do other people make? What kind of money gets you ahead in the Bay Area?<p>I’m considering my future options, and if the Bay is a viable alternative. I made just as much and more before I moved to the Bay. And I moved here because of the energy, the ideas, the diverse and educated people who live here, along with the beauty. But I’m not sure that’s enough.<p>What is good pay these days?