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It's not accurate. I don't know where people get these numbers from, perhaps they just vibe based on headlines without looking at the actual data. Studios all

It's not accurate. I don't know where people get these numbers from, perhaps they just vibe based on headlines without looking at the actual data. Studios all within 1 hour of SF by BART cost at most 2,500 but usually around 2000, cheaper if you're in Oakland/Daly city. 2000*12 is 24000, so if you're take home salary is at least 73,000 you're making a healthy multiple over rent. Just making 120k in the Bay area you're taking home 84,000 per year. So if you're making 200k you're taking home $10,700 per month, so you can afford a 3,500 rent at most, which could easily get you a nice 2 bedroom within 30 minutes of downtown SF.

ramesh31 1mo ago
Right, you can live the "single guy in an apartment" life with a hellacious commute still for sure. Add a family or any desire to ever own a home and you can forget it though.
- atleastoptimal 1mo ago
  If you're a young person making a certain amount of money I'm certain you can plan to save up money over time. Especially if you're a dual-income couple, you could save money before you plan to buy a house or have a kid. A 2 bedroom is affordable on two 100k salaries in the Bay area. but even then the entire area is very large, not everyone lives in SF or wants to, or would need to commute there as there are jobs elsewhere.
rootsudo 1mo ago
While the math is somewhat accurate you’re missing the point. 30% of income to go right back to rent in the Bay Area for the privilege of living in a studio is… For most people, including me, not worth it. “Oh but this is nationally average numbers” yes and no. Plus your numbers are gross not net. $73,000 to live in a studio, let’s be generous and say under 300sq ft, commute over an hour daily.. For what? The privilege to work in Bay Area?
- atleastoptimal 1mo ago
  I adjusted the numbers to net. > The privilege to work in the Bay Area? In the bay area you have mild climate all year, high quality public transport, culture, food. I do agree that rents are too high given a lack of development, but for many people that is worth it. The bay area is one of the few places in the world that pays fresh college graduates 120k+, so naturally there will be high rents, and to be in that environment is a privilege especially in growing a network.

ramesh31 1mo ago

Right, you can live the "single guy in an apartment" life with a hellacious commute still for sure. Add a family or any desire to ever own a home and you can forget it though.

atleastoptimal 1mo ago
If you're a young person making a certain amount of money I'm certain you can plan to save up money over time. Especially if you're a dual-income couple, you could save money before you plan to buy a house or have a kid. A 2 bedroom is affordable on two 100k salaries in the Bay area. but even then the entire area is very large, not everyone lives in SF or wants to, or would need to commute there as there are jobs elsewhere.

rootsudo 1mo ago

While the math is somewhat accurate you’re missing the point. 30% of income to go right back to rent in the Bay Area for the privilege of living in a studio is… For most people, including me, not worth it. “Oh but this is nationally average numbers” yes and no. Plus your numbers are gross not net. $73,000 to live in a studio, let’s be generous and say under 300sq ft, commute over an hour daily.. For what? The privilege to work in Bay Area?

atleastoptimal 1mo ago
I adjusted the numbers to net. > The privilege to work in the Bay Area? In the bay area you have mild climate all year, high quality public transport, culture, food. I do agree that rents are too high given a lack of development, but for many people that is worth it. The bay area is one of the few places in the world that pays fresh college graduates 120k+, so naturally there will be high rents, and to be in that environment is a privilege especially in growing a network.