It is amazing how much less expensive it is in the mountains of Central Arizona: real estate prices are probably 50% less expensive, food perhaps 20%, gas is usually about $0.40 cheaper per gallon, movies less expensive. Also, my wife and I entertain ourselves hiking, kayaking, and hanging out with friends. In Silicon Valley, getting together with people seemed to involve going out to expensive restaurants.

That said, we had a lot of fun in Silicon Valley - a really nice experience.