Curbed Comparisons: What $5,500 rents in San Francisco right now

Welcome to Curbed Comparisons, a regular column exploring what you can rent for a set dollar amount in different neighborhoods. Is one person's studio another person's townhouse? Let's find out. Today's price: $5,500.

↑ That is indeed the world famous but contentious stretch of Lombard Street outside of this two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Russian Hill. The ad boasts, “Now YOU can live on Lombard,” which is perhaps an unexpected pitch given what residents have to say about the experience these days. The locale is nevertheless worth $5,300/month for a classy home overlooking those noted curves. No cats allowed, but dogs permitted.

↑ From the outside, this 19th century triplex is one of Hayes Valley’s truly special and beautiful buildings. Upstairs in the three-bedroom, two-bath flat, which is now renting for just under $5,500/month, things get delightfully unusual; for the most part it’s actually a fairly straightforward and contemporary looking home, but the black-and-blue striped floor gives the unit a slightly off-kilter, Through The Looking Glass vibe. The tooty-fruity carpeting on the stairs enhances the effect. Cats and dogs both welcome (and notably both colorblind).

↑ This three-bedroom, one-bath apartment in a remodeled Cole Valley Victorian is a true beauty, although it more or less lucked into the accolade. While the building itself is perfectly respectable inside and out, plenty roomy (1,500 square feet), and well positioned for easy access to neighborhood and the Haight beyond, the real draw is that Mount Sutro is practically in the backyard. The opportunity to get lost among the eucalyptus may take some of the sting out of the $5,400/month rent. The ad doesn’t mention a pet policy.

↑ Roomy doesn’t even begin to address this house in Silver Terrace, which tip the scales at five bedrooms and three baths, spread over 2,000 square feet and with room leftover on the property for a three-tiered yard. There’s even a garage and tunnel entry. Though $5,395/month, it’s among the cheaper properties featured here on a strictly per-room basis. Sorry, no pets.

↑ And finally, here’s a flat in an ornate Haight building on Page Street immediately south of the panhandle. A Beaux-Arts beauty from the curb, inside pours it on with the beams, the built-ins, and the claw tubs. Even that oddball rug in the living room staging has its moments. The two-bed, one-and-a-half-bath apartment runs $5,500/month, with dog privileges but no cats.