15 year commitment? No thanks. I think the PhD route is better than the SV route in the long term, but you need to find a PhD route with fewer strings attached. You say you're in the Midwest, you shouldn't need anywhere near $90K/yr to cover basic living expenses. If you can't make that happen then look for the job most interesting to you - regardless of where it's located. If you're willing to relocate then you're willing to relocate anywhere. Enjoy it while you're still young!