What $2,600 rents in SF 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? Today’s price: $2,600.

Via Craigslist

This ad presents a “new studio in Cathedral Hill,” although it sounds more like the result of a recent renovation than new construction. The listing references a new kitchen with “quartz countertops, white glossy cabinets, and mosaic tile backsplash,” as well as a new bathroom and “gray wide plank flooring throughout.” The 40-unit building at 810 Eddy dates to 1927, dubbed the Van Eddy apartments. This studio is rent controlled, said control at this point governing the monthly price of $2,595 per month, pets included.

Via Craigslist

This large two-bed, one-bath apartment “steps from Ocean Avenue” pushes the historicity of the surrounding Ingleside neighborhood, noting that “most of the homes here were built before 1940” and that the western district “reached its full potential after the 1906 earthquake.” Of course, per the U.S. Census, nearly half of the city’s 400,000-plus homes were built before 1940, but it is nevertheless true that the pedigree of these neighborhoods often goes overlooked. This apartment sits behind a brick and shingle facade on Capitol Avenue that dates to 1910. The rental agent also notes that “Ingleside is considered one of the more affordable residential neighborhoods in San Francisco,” which, in this case, means $2,600 per month and no pets—affordability is in the eye of the beholder.

Via Craigslist

On the other hand, South Beach’s One Federal Street is deceptively contemporary, with the city dating the apartment to 2003. As a onetime warehouse, the larger building has more history behind it—apartment site Hotpads refers to the building as “a coveted historic warehouse conversion.” Described as “rarely available,” this one-bed, one-bath loft comes with 13-foot ceilings, mushroom capped columns, floor-to-ceiling double-pane windows, and an open layout. It also features concrete walls and plank flooring. It costs $2,500 per month. No word on pets.

Glen Park features a rare and unusual specimen: a “junior two-bedroom apartment”—an odd concept since most junior one-bedrooms are studios with slightly more room added to a designated sleeping space. It’s hard to tell whether this is a weird innovation or someone trying to make a two-bedroom listing out of a wing and a prayer. Do note that the home measures only 550 square feet altogether, so it’s going to be close quarters for two people either way. There’s tile floors everywhere except for the bedrooms. The place also has a private backyard. The deal is $2,500 per month, but no word on pets.

Via Craigslist

Last up, this Mission studio is just off of 16th and Guerrero, described as both “super spacious” and “a nice size” but with no measurements cited. Curtains separate the space to create a quasi-bedroom on one side and a combination kitchen, dining room, and almost-lounge area on the other. The price is $2,600 per month. The ad doesn’t mention pets. And note that it comes furnished, no exceptions.