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 is another person’s townhouse? Today’s price: $1,900.
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↑ We’ll start things off on a high note, or at the very least on a hilltop in the form of this one-bath studio in Lower Nob Hill presently seeking renters for $1,900/month. Note that these photos are of a “similar unit,” according to the agent. The ad does not provide square footage or a specific policy on pets, but does rattle off a list of offered features: “hardwood floors, walk-in closet, [...] classic clawfoot tub” included. Also note that the rear of the building appears to be a verdant glen teeming with greenery, at least judging from the photos provided here. The Bush Street building dates to either 1917 (according to its most recent sale listing) or 1918 (according to the city).
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↑ On the other hand, this one-bath SoMa studio provides some specifics neglected in the previous listing, measuring out to 500 square feet, according to the ad, and allowing room for both cats and dogs. In fact, this little place near Eighth and Mission also boasts its own attached one-car garage. Admittedly, the relevant photo suggests that the garage space is a tight fit even for a compact car, but maybe that’s part and parcel of studio living. And this parcel comes for $1,895/month; note that access to the garage will actually push the price up another $200.
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↑ And proportions shrink all the more with this “cabin-style” room in Oceanview, right on the edge of the city’s southwestern border and very nearly tipping down into Daly City. A recent remodel has added a bathroom and kitchenette to this place, technically making it a micro apartment unto itself in the larger home—”micro” in this place meaning roughly 300 square feet. As for what’s cabin-like about it, that’s more in the eye of the beholder, but presumably the term is in deference to the all of the wood paneling. Rent is $1,895/month—a fairly modest price by modern city standards.
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↑ Yet another studio pops up at this price range, this one billed a “Haight-Ashbury gem,” which is a perfectly fair assessment of the gorgeous white Victorian exterior of the house itself, perched on the corner of Page and Shrader, predating the 1906 quake, possibly as far back as 1890 according to previous ads (though city records themselves are noncommittal). The apartment comes furnished, along with with “extra tall ceilings” (not the tiny hanging lamp), but be warned that there’s no pets allowed. Also, the bathroom is split with one other unit in the building. Alas. Rent is $1,775/month.
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↑ And finally, the only non-studio apartment on this slate comes by way of the Sunset (or so the ad says—the proximity to SFSU and Stonestown suggests it’s probably more of a Lakeside locale, though no specific address is provided), a full one-bed, one-bath apartment for a full $1,900/month. This one is an in-law that leaves pets on the outs; whether those fetching giraffes in the photos are part of the deal isn’t apparent, but maybe bring it up at the tour.
Poll
Which rental would you choose?
This poll is closed
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50%
Lower Nob Hill Studio
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5%
SoMa Studio
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1%
Oceanview "Cabin"
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18%
Haight Studio
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23%
Lakeside In-Law