FAANG is literally 5 companies and they just do a market rate adjustment. Making $230k in Texas vs $270k in SF isn't really that different. Startups don't even do that, remote work pays the same regardless of geo. Any "in office" only startup is pretty much doomed tbh.
It's also not just my "current job", I make more than any peer that works in office and I always have at any employer that I've been at. If you want me to work for you, you have to pay what I require. That's how the market works.
50k between Texas and SF isn't a difference, that's the whole point of cost of living adjustment. That being said, my rate is my rate. People happily pay it. I have access to the entire planet for my options, not just whoever happens to have an office within commuting distance from my house.
A large percentage of YC startups fail, so that's not really a metric that's useful. Basic market analysis will do: more potential employers = higher pay.
50k extra per year, to get it you need to spend only 100k-200k… per year…
It sometimes makes sense, when you are junior, need to form a network, and have low expenses. One can look at it as an investment. But not for the average engineer over the long term. It just doesn’t pencil out. Especially if you want a family.
It's also not just my "current job", I make more than any peer that works in office and I always have at any employer that I've been at. If you want me to work for you, you have to pay what I require. That's how the market works.