How do families make ends meet in San Francisco?

Question

I looked for a job and for an apt. I found jobs that pay $60K to $75K but the cheapest apartments I found cost $2850 a month. If housing should be no more than one-third of household income, even a cheap apt. requires a $103K+ annual salary. How do families live in S.F. and how do I find cheaper digs?

Answer 1

You are assuming that the ends will meet.

1. Use Craigslist to find a house that you can share. Or a large apartment. That will help reduce what you pay.

2. Consider commuting from a lower cost area. Best if your job does not require you to be in the city M-F.

3. Earn more. Future raises, second job, change of job, etc.

4. 1/3 for housing is a broad average that clearly does not work well across all cities. In some cities you do not need to spend close to 1/3 to buy. Those cities are in the Midwest, Texas of NY. Other cities you will have to spend more than 1/3 and it could be a lot more. Not sustainable long term but if you want to work for a specific company for 1-2 years it could be manageable.

Answer 2

We move to the suburbs that are a 1.5 hour commute. And then we throw our hands up and leave the bay area for the Sacramento area... LOL! Actually my laughter is masking my tears...

Answer 3

Not sure how they do make it. Go to craigslist for apartments. My place is WAY cheaper (in San Jose) and I got it by looking there.

Answer 4

you might want to watch the movie "The pursuit of Happyness" which also takes place in san francisco. Im positive this will take you in the right direction.

Answer 5

Get married? A double income would help.

Answer 6

go to the housing it takes a good job be your own boss

Answer 7

move to the East Bay and commute on BART