So i'm contemplating moving back to California from Texas and getting a job in the science field (Biology). I seen a couple openings for Merck in Palo Alto. I know its expensive. Even though it was brutal major the jobs don't pay worth a damn. Just getting some external input other than family and my fiancé and I, who aren't sure on what to do. I would make less here but cost of living is also a lot less. I would make more in San Fran area but cost of living is also a lot higher. Salary ~70K there ~45K here. Any input of people who live there or here or both would be greatly appreciated.


Luis.

Well I like San Diego a lot.

It's unfortunate that Bio majors pay as they do considering the heavy science to get the degree.

There are quite a few bio tech companies in San Diego.

do you happen to know any off the top of you head? i used to drive through SD all the time to get to TJ. It is nice

Illumina

This website lists over 400 San Diego bio tech companies.

San Diego Biotechnology Company Directory | San Diego Biotechnology & Life Science Events, Jobs, News, Company Directory

I would rather stay where you are then get 30K extra to live in SF. The cost of living is really here there. Even though im in LA/OC i see myself moving away from here in the future..

Why not just punch yourself in the face several times? It'd be more comfortable and cost much less.

Lol I would stay here if there was more options. There's not alot here just tech. There's a lot more bio jobs in east or west and a few here and there. I'd prefer going back to Cali then move to Boston. (No offense NE peeps)

Ooh, tough call. Would you rather be shot or hung?

I too will be moving back to California once I finish my degree. Everyone told me Houston would be so much cheaper but that's not the case at all. If you want to live in a safe part you better be prepared to pay a lot. I'm talking new homes that are 2000 Sqft are starting at 600k which I think is ridiculous for Texas. When I lived in Pismo my apartment that was a mile away from the beach was cheaper and the same size than the one I am living in right now here in Houston. I've learned lately that life is way too short to live some where your not happy with. Ya the cost of living might be more but it's worth it if your happy with where your living. That's just the way I feel. Good luck with your decision.

How long have you been doing your job OP?

Will there be more upward salary movement with an increase in experience?

If you're fresh out of school, you'll have to give it a few years and likely change companies to get a decent raise.

You can never get new homes, in a decent neighborhood, that are 2000 sq feet in Orange County for 600K. For San Francisco, forget it...

1 yr. But its not like theres is much room for promotions unless I get my masters which would cost more than just trying to get something else. I plan on getting my masters and PHD but probably in some other fields as this one is currently no bueno. I could've graduated with finance in less time and could get a better job. OY VEY!

Never said you could but homes in Houston used to average around 200k but now will all of the oil corporations moving here the average is now close to 400k for an older house. People who move or live in California expect to pay those high prices that's not the case for people in Texas. There was even an article in the paper that said Texas was no longer a lower cost of living like people expect when they move here. Texas doesn't have much to offer unlike California.

im assuming by your username that you have a phd? if so in what?

NVM just re-read your previous post. What are you getting your degree in?

I would stay out of the hell hole that is California if you can avoid it.

The living cost is higher, but more importantly this state is absolute crap. There's a reason California is hemorrhaging large corporations and why this state reviled by everyone.

Between idiotic environmental policies, weapons, and general politics; this state comes with a premium that you don't see on your tax form.

San Francisco isn't too bad, but Oakland is basically all but a lawless town, with much of the East Bay either being ruled by criminals or Hipster Twats... San Diego isn't too bad, but its proximity to the border and some of its politics aren't favorable. Oceanside is pretty much similar to Oakland when I was living down in that area and I wouldn't bother with LA at all.

The mountains are nice, but I hear from a lot of people that while areas like Tahoe have extremely low living costs and are nice, there's not enough work to support many of those areas very well anymore.