income vs cost in SF Bay Area
 

I've been offered a $49k job in downtown San Francisco. Is it possible to live within a 30-minute commute in a trendy apt. neighborhood, and not die broke, on that income?

You're kidding, right? I suggest you start looking for roommates. Why do you think SF has such a large homeless population?

$49K isn't much in San Francisco. I wouldn't count on finding a trendy apt on that kind of income. You'll be lucky to find any kind of apt. You better start looking for roommates now. Where are you coming from? And how much was your income before? Maybe we can help with providing a salary comparison.

My sister-in-law lives in San Mateo and pays $1200/mo rent plus utilities for a 570 sq. foot condo.

I knew SF was expensive, but didn't realize it was that pricy. I used to rent a nice 2 br apt. for $650 (800 sf) in Texas.

A friend just found her place in Russian Hill---a one-bedroom for $1200. The renter dropped the price by $100 off advertised before she even opened her mouth to discuss the rent.<BR><BR>Don't be scared off. You won't save a lot, but you'll be fine. Just don't bring a car and spend the money on parking/insurance.

I managed to live in SF on $30,000. I was broke most all of the time. Did I have fun? You bet.

Yeah mystory, put that was in 1978.

I live in NYC on $49k a year in a studio for $1250 and I am comfortable.<BR>Some weeks money is tight, some weeks I have a little money left over.<BR>

Good point about the car J - Steve's money will go a lot farther if he doesn't have to pay for auto expenses. <BR><BR>$49K in SF isn't much. <BR><BR>I think it's doable as long as a person doesn't have kids and is willing to share housing or live in a small apartment in a non-trendy neighborhood.