In terms of buying power, 130 K in Houston > 160 K in SF,
But the life quality in SF is much superior to Houston.
SF offers something money can not buy:
1) the best weather in the world;
2) diverse cultures
3) 400 miles of hiking trails around the SF bay
4) Scenes along Hwy 1
5) 2 hours of driving to Bear Valley, where you can start your first ski lesson:), then lake tahoe...
6) Half moon bay, where clothes are optionaol on some beaches
7) Napa valley, and more ....
Of course, more job opportunities + the dipping house market are something else you might need factor in
