Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a column that explores what one can rent for a set dollar amount in various San Francisco neighborhoods. Is one person's studio another person's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $3,750.
↑ We start the comparisons with a deliciously old school, one-bedroom unit that asks for $3,750/month in the Financial District. A lot of the lovely old buildings in this area are beautiful on the outside and at the lobby level, but crappy when it comes to the actual apartment. However, this one doesn't disappoint; it's pretty through and through. Fittingly, the Historic Register building (it was the first commercial high-rise constructed after the 1906 quake) is named The Royal. Don't look for historic details in the unit, as it is contemporary. It does have cherry wood floors, a newish kitchen, and a washer and dryer in the unit. Cats and dogs are OK. The drawback? At 664 square feet, it's not suitable for all roommate and family situations.
↑ Next up is a three-bedroom home in our latest Curbed Cup winner, Bayview. The good: A big arched window and passageway in the living room and 1,800 square feet. The meh: A stone fireplace that's been painted yellow and red, blue carpet in the bedroom, vintage cabinets that show their age, and narrow stairs in what (from the photos) look like a strange configuration. The ugly: A very ill-painted closet. The photos show an accessible roof, from which the listing hints you can enjoy sunshine, moonlight, and views. Better take it in carefully, as there's no railing here. No parking, no on-site laundry, and no mention of a pet policy. The photos show an unfurnished house; but the listing mentions two sofas, a television, a bed, and a table on site.
↑ If you are looking for a home with new fixtures and finishes, this one-bedroom on Nob Hill asking $3,750/month could be a good choice. No square footage is listed, but it looks small. However, the galley kitchen is sleek, there is a big bay window in the living room, and there's a separate bedroom. The modern bathroom has a rain shower. No pets allowed, but you do get a free parking space for a car.
↑ Here's a two-bedroom unit asking $3,695/month in a pretty old Downtown building. Again, there aren't many historic details, although there is some vintage molding around the windows. The floors, kitchen, and bathroom appear to be brand new. (The plastic is still on the range. We see this a lot—is it some kind of sales tactic?) The kitchen is nicely laid out, but it is small. Many would consider the listing's promise of "ample storage and counter space" to be an exaggeration. There's a washer and dryer in the unit (although just one of those is shown). No mention of parking or pet policies.
↑ This one-unit apartment is located in the Bridgeview, a full-service building in SoMa. The living room is long, with large windows that open onto a balcony. We suspect this layout might make the room a bit dark back by the kitchen. That kitchen is nicely appointed and laid out. There's more than one light source in the bedroom (windows on two sides), but it has a dark-gray carpet, which could be a drawback for some people. This building has the amenities you'd expect from the new ones in this area: concierge, lap pool, spa, gym, and sundeck. You can't have pets, but you do get a parking space.