I arrived in the SV 12 years ago (2006) with already $20k savings. I had a $100k job initially to now $140k. My rent was $1,400 for tiny but cute studio. I st

I arrived in the SV 12 years ago (2006) with already $20k savings. I had a $100k job initially to now $140k. My rent was $1,400 for tiny but cute studio. I stayed in that studio for 5 years (until 2011) and managed to saved $100k total. I bought a place in SF with my partner, we put $200k down ($100k each) for a ~$800k 2br/2ba. We now pay $3k per month so $1,500 each per month which is not much more than I used to pay when single in my studio (granted, now I need to add HOA ($150/month) and property tax (but could be deducted from taxes)). So, I would say it was possible but as a couple with same kind of income. Now (2018) I don't think we could afford the exact same condo (maybe worth now up to $1.2M). We could afford something smaller and/or less central. But having said that, I was very surprised when talking with (younger) coworkers who have the same salary ($140k), on how little to none they were actually saving. It is tempting to eat our for both lunch and dinner, etc in the City, but it gets expensive very quickly. To be a homeowner anywhere, you need to save. To be homeowner in SF/SV you need to save even more, and be a couple. Not impossible, but more difficult. Save early, and as much as you possibly can, that would determine your future purchase power.