title: Why are PHP developers cheaper than .NET developers?
body: <p>This is a two part question; firstly, does anyone out there have some insight as to why PHP contract developers would be available at a much lower rate than their .NET counterparts (around a 30% premium for the Microsoft guys)? I have some theories relating to ease of learning and cost of tools and servers but would like to get some feedback from other people.</p>
  
  <p>Secondly, what is the impact of this on total project cost and ongoing maintenance?  Generally speaking, would you consider the total effort for a typical website build similar for the two or does one technology impose a premium time wise?</p>