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Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

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Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#1

Post by blahneverdies »

For those here working in San Francisco, what is the true cost of, for example, a 1 BR apartment there, with a minimal commute to tech hubs?

I see a lot of posts mentioning numbers up to $3,500-4000. I'm sure those exist (everywhere), but I also see many on CL in the $2,500-2,800 range, which is still high of course but not as high as those other numbers, and not that far from (if not equivalent to) NYC and other high COL cities, where salaries are lower in comparison.

Certain articles may also pick out the highest-priced units to make a point.

Some of the ads I see may be deceptive, but I've seen enough that it seems like there are semi-decent places in that range.

Is that true?

State taxes are highest there as well, but it still comes down to net earnings, at least for purposes of this question. :)

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#4

Post by blahneverdies »

genS3 wrote: post #2

NYC 2,500-2,800 might be the average, if you live in manhattan, brooklyn, hoboken, or anything close to manhattan it will be more.

Well I can live close to (but not in) Manhattan for better than that, but even so, that strengthens the case for SF-level salaries, if true!

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#5

Post by lowdest »

$3500-4000 for a 1 bedroom is common, (I rent one) but it's also probably in a nice, modern, new-construction building. Mine is 15th floor with a view, so it's more than the bare necessities. Buildings like this have the best marketing budget, so you see them all over the internet. The less developed and less expensive areas will have a longer commute. You could live in the east bay and ride Bart in e.g. at $11 per round trip from Berkeley. Your company may provide a transit benefit so you can spend pre-tax dollars on your commute.

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#6

Post by blahneverdies »

lowdest wrote: post #5

$3500-4000 for a 1 bedroom is common, (I rent one) but it's also probably in a nice, modern, new-construction building. Mine is 15th floor with a view, so it's more than the bare necessities. Buildings like this have the best marketing budget, so you see them all over the internet. The less developed and less expensive areas will have a longer commute. You could live in the east bay and ride Bart in e.g. at $11 per r…

Thanks, that makes sense for that quality of apartment.

I'd rather be in SF (but understood).

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#7

Post by lowdest »

blahneverdies wrote: post #6
lowdest wrote: post #5

$3500-4000 for a 1 bedroom is common, (I rent one) but it's also probably in a nice, modern, new-construction building. Mine is 15th floor with a view, so it's more than the bare necessities. Buildings like this have the best marketing budget, so you see them all over the internet. The less developed and less expensive areas will have a longer commute. You could live in the east bay and ride Bart in e.g. at $11 per r…

Thanks, that makes sense for that quality of apartment. I'd rather be in SF (but understood).

If you'd like to start with a furnished studio in berkeley, I know someone with a vacant unit.

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#9

Post by squegles »

My last apartment was $3200 for about 800 sq ft 1br in a quaint well kept Victorian apartment building that was a 15 minute walk to FiDi. Had nice big bay windows and all. My only gripe (not big ones either) was no washer/dryer in unit although the building had some for tenants and street parking only.

Re: Ask HN: True Apartment Costs in SF?

#10

Post by gesman »

Renting $4,500/mo, 3 bedroom (upper part) of house in San Mateo + 1 car garage + backyard. Close to Hwy 101 and 92 (and 280). 30-40 minutes drive to SF and/or SJ.

Will be moving out soon, so if anyone interested - ping me.

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