There are tons of companies in both Boston and the GBA... Not sure what your point is. Not surprised you ignored the biggest point which is that the pay is significantly lower and especially with current Portland rent, definitely not anywhere near a CoL difference. We are last in New England by far. You asked: why Boston? I think you're a bit out of touch of with what the average graduating person is facing right now. You can't just wave your hand and say that the competition is more when the reality is the numbers still favor their job market. It didn't use to be this way necessarily, but it is what it is. I choose to live here and love it but I realize that someone who is trying to break into the business world is going to have a better time there.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_median_wage_and_mean_wage