Is SF more expensive to live in that NYC? (San Francisco: best neighborhoods, condos)

[Boompa]

I guess it's where in NYC and where in San Francisco.
My experience in San Francisco was that RENT ran $2500 a month about 1400 sq2 ft, Car Insurance was pretty high too, considering the car woulld sit for months unused. Other than that living there was cheap. I am originally from Philly and chose to live close enough to my work not to have to drive. Parking can cost a fortune and the bridges are high. MUNI, is efficient and cheap compared to public transportation in other cities. I liked Outer Richmond District, near the ocean.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by esmith143

You could. Conversely, you could find more affordable rents outside of SF. For example, you could rent in San Rafael/San Anselmo, 15 minutes from Golden Gate and rank 10 schools, for less than 1100/month.

Except that 15 minutes can be an hour and a half in rush hour.

[City Boy]

Originally Posted by Boompa

Except that 15 minutes can be an hour and a half in rush hour.

And the Golden gate is $5 to cross or $1200 a year if you work in the city.

[18Montclair]

Overall The Bay Area is more expensive but its also more affordable because incomes are higher as well.

[esmith143]

Except that 15 minutes can be an hour and a half in rush hour.

Not to knock on your superior knowledge of SFBA, but Google Maps show that southbound 101 is pretty much free-flowing 24/7 and northbound 101 only slows down north of Mill Valley between 4 and 6 PM.

And you can rent in Mill Valley for 1200/month.

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by esmith143

Not to knock on your superior knowledge of SFBA, but Google Maps show that southbound 101 is pretty much free-flowing 24/7 and northbound 101 only slows down north of Mill Valley between 4 and 6 PM.

And you can rent in Mill Valley for 1200/month.

I lived there for eight years, an hour to an hour and a half, good luck with Mill Valley for $1200 too.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by Boompa

I lived there for eight years, an hour to an hour and a half, good luck with Mill Valley for $1200 too.

Yes. That whole 101 route from the financial district to the Golden Gate will make the most level-headed person want to scream. There's a reason why they can charge what they do for the ferry.

Manhattan is more expensive than San Francisco proper, but San Francisco's suburbs are far more expensive than the close-in suburbs of NYC (to buy in at least), and the transportation system is nowhere close.

[esmith143]

Originally Posted by Boompa

I lived there for eight years, an hour to an hour and a half, good luck with Mill Valley for $1200 too.

1br - Large, spacious, sunny Apt. Great Price! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/apa/1273068384.html - broken link)
Charming view apartment in small complex (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/apa/1272911218.html - broken link)
Studio With Views and Amenities (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/apa/1269136494.html - broken link)

[grapico]

From what I've seen SF has a lot of sub 600 square feet places for a lot cheaper than Manhattan... this is fine for a lot of people... double income, no kids and singles. It's doable. Plus you usually can live much closer to where you need to go, given SF is much more compact. It is when you get into bigger places SF seems to be more expensive or equal.

[hsw]

Many young financiers have moved from Manhattan to SF over past 15 yrs

SF rents (for equally upscale condos) are ~30-40% cheaper than Manhattan

CA income tax rate is ~10%; Manhattan's is ~13%

Structurally, SF is a car nut's town, so spacious, secure garages are easily available at both one's condo and at any FinDt offices (most employers pay for office pkg)...and valet pkg in front of any relevant dining

And for those who work on Sand Hill (SF region's real financial epicenter), the 35 mi drive is a rather scenic, brisk 30 mins on 280 (try driving 35 mis from NYC to Greenwich to compare relative drive times/hassles)

And nearly imposs to price SF region's near perfect weather/topography (and fresh produce)...stuff NYC lacks at any price (and forces many to spend lots of time and money escaping its nasty weather and congestion on wkends)