What $4,200 rents you 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: $4,200.

↑ This deeply lovely three bedroom, two bath, Mediterranean-style house down in the Portola neighborhood is certainly a looker from the outside, and the living room, with its one wide, beautiful arch and recessed ceiling is difficult to resist. But the dining room is what really kills it, with that soaring skylight behind the winged French doors. Now to decided if it’s all worth $4,200/month? The house is pet friendly, so don’t forget to ask them too if you can’t make up your mind.

↑ On the other hand, this Miraloma house is also three bedrooms and two baths for $4,200/month, but doesn’t have quite the same showy gracefulness to it, instead opting to pour on unabashedly retro mid-century charm that looks largely uncut from its roots in 1960. Got to love a wood panel fireplace when it comes along. “Sorry, no cats or dogs.”

↑ For those in a decidedly non-retro mood, the ad for this 1991 building in the Western Addition just south of Japantown promises a still-fresh renovation. The result in this three bed, one bath apartment is the same recognizable frosty white and neutral grays look popular with new construction condos, and those banks of windows showing off the 11th floor view sure aren’t hurting its value either. No pets here either (apparently the Western Addition can only add so much), but at least it’s slightly cheaper: $4,100/month. Every bit counts.

↑ What distinguishes a loft from a “luxury loft” like this two bed, two and a half bath SoMa home on Natoma Street? Other than an additional entrance, such things seem to be in the eye of the beholder, although of course with the standard SoMa set-up of endlessly tall ceilings and windows there is admittedly a lot to behold. The white oak floors are a nice touch too, although some renters will find the most luxury in the fact that cats and dogs under 40 pounds are allowed. (Although any cat that has to worry about making that grade will have challenges enough in life already.) $4,150/month.

↑ Finally, the dark and unassuming exterior of this Portero Hill building on 20th Street gives way to a soft and neutral color palette inside. The $4,200/month rent for a two bedroom and one and a half bath apartment is less soft and neutral, but that’s the name of the game. Dogs are okay, but no cats—maybe the luxury lofts in SoMa nearby can put them up instead.