How to calculate living expenses in downtown SF? (nob hill/union sq area) (apartment, rent)

[PSBlows]

Hey,

I'm trying to predict how much money I will need per month to live near union square, assuming that my monthly rent is a studio apartment that costs around $1,100 a month.

I'm gonna be a student, no car. Probably won't use the bart that often...will probably end up buying most of my meals.

I'm trying to think of more info to give, but can't think of much. I don't know how often I will be going out on weekends.

[18Montclair]

If you live in that part of the bay area, you'll be going out a lot. Trust me.

LOL

[PSBlows]

I know

[City Boy]

$1800/Month. Studio's there rent for 1100 at the minimum.

[mdwstrnkid]

I would guess that food would be your biggest expense outside of rent. Since you said that you will be going out for food most of the time, can you give us an idea of what a typical day would be like food-wise?

[Jonotastic]

$1500 - Rent
$150 - TV/Net/Utilities
$1200 - Food
$100 - Misc. Items

= $2950 per month

add: transportation costs, leisure activity costs, school books, school clubs/fraternity dues, tuition etc

If you want to lower expenses...rent a studio that has some type of kitchen, rent a room from an apt rather than a studio and/or don't live in Union Square/Nob Hill and take the MUNI to school. There are other districts that are fun, with easy access to downtown for a lot cheaper.

[PSBlows]

Originally Posted by Jonotastic

$1500 - Rent
$150 - TV/Net/Utilities
$1200 - Food
$100 - Misc. Items

= $2950 per month

add: transportation costs, leisure activity costs, school books, school clubs/fraternity dues, tuition etc

If you want to lower expenses...rent a studio that has some type of kitchen, rent a room from an apt rather than a studio and/or don't live in Union Square/Nob Hill and take the MUNI to school. There are other districts that are fun, with easy access to downtown for a lot cheaper.

Well my rent will be just shy above $1000, so I guess I can shave a good $400 or $500 off that. Around $2500 a month then.

[Jonotastic]

Originally Posted by PSBlows

Well my rent will be just shy above $1000, so I guess I can shave a good $400 or $500 off that. Around $2500 a month then.

If you want Union Square, I wouldn't be so confident on finding a studio for just shy over $1000 a month unless its a building full of crackheads, government assisted living people or simply really crappy. I know there are some on craigslist, but when I was searching everytime I walked out because of the above. Also make sure you add transportation costs, just because you are in Union Square doesn't mean you will be able to get everywhere without ever using public transportation or taxis. Also add laundry bills...maybe $10-25 per month. MUNI was $2.50 each way last time I was there. You will only use BART for going to SFO or OAK.

[mdwstrnkid]

Originally Posted by Jonotastic

IMUNI was $2.50 each way last time I was there.

Actually, MUNI fare is currently $1.50, and will be increasing to $2.00 as of July 1.

[PSBlows]

Originally Posted by Jonotastic

If you want Union Square, I wouldn't be so confident on finding a studio for just shy over $1000 a month unless its a building full of crackheads, government assisted living people or simply really crappy. I know there are some on craigslist, but when I was searching everytime I walked out because of the above. Also make sure you add transportation costs, just because you are in Union Square doesn't mean you will be able to get everywhere without ever using public transportation or taxis. Also add laundry bills...maybe $10-25 per month. MUNI was $2.50 each way last time I was there. You will only use BART for going to SFO or OAK.

I already secured a studio in nob hill, near the financial district that is just above $1000. It's a decent place, actually.