When working in real estate in San Francisco, 80% of the clients I consult always say this one thing.

"Why is it so expensive here?"

That's right, SF is one of the cities with the highest cost of living in the U.S., and housing costs significantly increase the difficulty of living here.

For example, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment was once reported to be around $4,770 per month, and this number is not an exaggeration.

However, if you actually look at apartment rental listings in SF, there is quite a wide spectrum.

If it's in the outskirts, lacks amenities, and has poor access to public transport or grocery stores, you can find 2-bedrooms in the low $3,000s.

But those listings usually come with one condition or another.

Parking might be inconvenient, laundry could be shared, or the neighborhood might not be quiet at night but rather a bit desolate.

On the other hand, in new apartment buildings with elevators, gyms, in-unit laundry, fitness centers, and in popular neighborhoods (Mission, Nob Hill, Noe Valley, Marina), it's common for 2-bedrooms to jump above $5,500.

The problem is that these rental prices, which are much higher than the national average, are eroding the city's vitality.

When asked, "Why are tech companies leaving SF?" I always mention housing costs first.

If employees have to pay a lot for housing, commuting becomes difficult, labor costs rise, and it can easily lead to higher office vacancy rates.

Still, does that mean SF is completely unattractive? Not at all.

The average household income is relatively high (the median household income is often cited as being in the $110,000 range), making it a market where high-income professionals can thrive, and the city's infrastructure, including culture, restaurants, parks, the ocean, and libraries, remains strong.

Parents often look at school districts, and SF has a large public system run by SFUSD, offering many options.

However, the formula "good school district = rising home prices or rents" is a common rule nationwide, so if you prioritize school districts, be prepared to raise your budget as well.

When searching for a home, it's most realistic to first get a big picture on sites like Zillow, then narrow down to 2-3 desired neighborhoods and check "price-commute-living convenience-school district" all at once.

The conclusion is that San Francisco is not a city to give up on just because it's expensive; the reasons for its high costs are clear. At least for now.

So, you should carefully consider whether the value is truly worth the lifestyle you will be living here to minimize regrets.