how do you compare quality of life?

While this might seem like a no-brainer, I realize that SF has a certain pull. So, the question for you becomes how much do you like driving? Can you use the time in the car for three hours a day productively (eg language tapes, book tapes, etc.) or will you be screaming out your window at the fools who aren't moving? Three hours a day (if that's what you will do) could be grueling. I guess you could also do it less frequently, which could have some advantages.

Well, the three hour commute would be about 2 hrs on train and 1 hour on a bike, at least most of the time, hopefuly. So exercise and reading/sleeping will be productive. It just is a long day and not that flexible.

I think a lot of it has to do with where your friends live, what you do in your free time, etc. If the activities you most enjoy are in SF, would you be miserable in the ambiance of San Jose? Or, are you the kind of person who would make it a point to regularly go to SF week-ends and occasional we

(whoops) week nights to do SF kinds of stuff? The cost of housing is probably higher in SF, but gas and wear and tear on the car are also significant costs.