What $2,500/Month Rents You in San Francisco

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what a person can rent for a set dollar amount in various San Francisco neighborhoods. Is one man's studio another man's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $2,500.

↑ The built-in bed in this Downtown unit caught our eye. We haven't seen anything like it outside a boat. However, careful reading of the listing reveals that several efficiency units are available and not all of them have the same configurations and amenities (square footage is not listed). What we do know is that the apartments at 888 O'Farrell have security, a fitness center, on-site laundry, and parking available. We would assume that least one has this full-size, built-in bed that makes the whole thing seem seaworthy. They don't allow pets, but they apparently do permit smoking in some areas as it's called a "smoking optional" building.

↑ At $2,000/month, what is called a "San-Francisco-style" unit on Nob Hill is significantly less than our cap of $2,500. Apartment 1 in 1155 Leavenworth is only 375 square feet, but the fact that it has a Murphy bed is supposed to "open it up." Despite its small size, the Edwardian details make it charming. And the configuration of the rooms (office nook, dining area, walk-in closet) makes it seem more spacious. The kitchen (it has a dishwasher) and bathroom (we like the clawfoot tub) are nice too. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge from the roof deck and it's located within blocks of Grace Cathedral. Laundry is on site, but no mention of a pet policy.

↑ $2,200/month in Oceanview gets you a remodeled two-bedroom, one-bath, in-law apartment. The unit at Sagamore at Orizaba Sts. has a private entry and a shared backyard and laundry. The kitchen is called a "kitchenette," so you'd assume it's small, but it has a refrigerator, stove, and oven and it looks new and nice. Utilities and WiFi are included, pets and smoking are excluded. Move-in costs total $4,840 (covering first and last month rent, cleaning, background check).

↑ This 450-square-foot studio at 861 Sutter on lower Nob Hill has pretty vintage details. For $2,295/month you get hardwood floors, large closets and the freedom to own a cat. You don't get on-site laundry (although they have laundry lockers for a wash-and-fold service).

↑ At $2,500/month, this one-bedroom unit at 164 23rd Ave. in the Richmond District is the most expensive on our list. We like the fact that it's newer and in a small building (six units). It also comes with parking and a claim of "excellent" storage. There's a coin-operated laundry in the building. However, no pets are allowed.