How Silicon Valley Can Kill Your Startup(venturebeat.com)
venturebeat.com
How Silicon Valley Can Kill Your Startup
http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/01/how-silicon-valley-can-kill-your-startup
http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/01/how-silicon-valley-can-kill-your-startup
I know people that thrive for around $2 a day in both valleys full stop. So the cost point is specious.
Furthermore, the talent war is nonsense. There are plenty of corporate experienced, startup compatible people globally looking for an opportunity to be part of an adventure. Finding what exactly motivates each candidate is key, because it's probably not napping pods: is it telecommute time, catered lunches or time for yoga? Candidates that are too demanding will be toxic or unmanageable. Also, having every imaginable perk at the beginning doesn't make sense; periodically add neat things as they can be afforded.
Finally, being entirely located in one particular place is also unnecessary and not a panacea. Eschewing either valley entirely for too long doesn't sound particularly wise either. 37signals and others have shown a global virtual office can work.
PS: Ramen isn't food, try oatmeal.