I've just moved recently to Palo Alto, but I've heard that compared to several years ago the rent, utilities and general cost of living has gone up significantl

I've just moved recently to Palo Alto, but I've heard that compared to several years ago the rent, utilities and general cost of living has gone up significantly too. A coworker of mine has a studio in the Richmond District,SF for $800/month, but now that same studio would probably rent for $1300/month. That's an almost $10'000 increase in pre-tax income needed to cover the difference.