Updated: 14/10/2025 · Reading: 7–9 min · For: tech workers, professionals, students and families
San Francisco is compact and pricey, with solid transit on main corridors. A realistic per-person monthly budget is €1,900–€3,700 (rent included).
Quick summary
- Rent: room €1,000–€1,600 · central studio €2,200–€3,200 · 1-bed €2,800–€3,800
- Transport: monthly pass per current fares (Muni + BART)
- Groceries: €270–€450 · Utilities: €110–€190
- Savings shortcut: live one or two stops outside FiDi/SoMa hubs to cut rent without big time penalty.
Housing (areas)
- Premium: Pacific Heights, Marina, Russian Hill
- Balanced: Inner/Outer Sunset, Noe Valley, Bernal Heights
- Value: Richmond, parts of Daly City (BART access)
Viewing checklist
- Test door-to-door commute.
- Check heating, drafty windows, parking and amenities.
- Review lease renewal clauses and utility inclusions.
Transport
- Muni and BART work well along key axes; car is less convenient in the core (parking, traffic).
Leisure & health
- Cinema: €12–€18 · Gym: €40–€100/month · Basic private consult: €70–€140
Monthly budgets (rent included)
| Profile | Rent | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared room | €1,300 | €450–€550 | €1,750–€1,850 |
| Studio | €2,600 | €500–€650 | €3,100–€3,250 |
| 1-bed | €3,200 | €550–€700 | €3,750–€3,900 |
Tip: door-to-door and hill grades matter—less central but flat routes can beat “closer” steep commutes.
Fast area picks
- Urban: SoMa, FiDi, Hayes Valley
- Value: Richmond / Outer Sunset, Noe / Bernal
- Families: Noe Valley, Inner Sunset
Hidden costs, tips & mistakes
- High deposits, amenities, parking.
- Plan weekly meals; pass if >40 trips/month.
- Mistake: picking only by rent and enduring long, steep commutes.
FAQ
How much to live alone? €3,300–€4,000/month for a 1-bed outside the hyper-center.
Car in SF? Often impractical downtown; Muni/BART + bike usually win.
Links: San Francisco page · Compare · SF vs New York