Earlier quoted context omitted.
Are "average" developers really making much more than 200k/year in base/signing in those cities?
No. In fact most make much less, on the order of $140k all-inclusive.
You have to wonder, if most people who say things like "You only make 200k, you should try $x" are such great developers that they don't realize they are unique, or if they are full of it.