What $4,000 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: $4,000.

The headline for this ad misidentifies the building as “the Millennium,” but yes, as any San Franciscan can tell at a glance, that’s Millennium Tower, with its famous lean and all. Note however that this one-bed, one-bath condo isn’t in the tower itself but in the attached podium building (dubbed the “residences”), which has actually never had any reported structural problems. This home is located on the top floor and boasts a “partial bay view, “extra tall ceilings,” built-ins, and hardwood floors. It costs $4,000 per month. There are, of course, a long list of perks with the building, including room service from the Ayesha Curry-owned restaurant downstairs, but the one amenity not available is the company of pets.

And in SoMa, here’s a loft of a different character. In fact, at first glance this unit will look unlike any loft apartment set-up previously featured on Comparisons, right down to the glass block walls and the reception desk near the front door. That’s because, per the ad, this one is “currently built out as a salon.” The rental offer even includes the salon furniture. After all, it is a live/work space, which means it’s set up for business. But the listing assures potential renters that it’s also a legit one-bed, two-bath home renting for $3,999. No pets allowed—maybe they’re bad for business?

Speaking of oddball arrangements, this furnished Lower Nob Hill apartment on Sutter Street looks like a fairly ordinary offering, with two beds, one bath, a 620-square-foot layout, and one expansive brick wall. The ad promises “modern decor, fully equipped kitchen, and charming living room.” There’s even pets allowed here, cats and dogs alike. Where the shenanigans enter into is when it comes to the rent, which is $3,390 per month—but only for tenants staying up to six months, at which point the price goes up.

At least there’s nothing strange about this “rare architecture beauty cottage” in Glen Park, with the possible exception of the strict arrangement of those descriptive terms. “The architect who designed this cottage put together many elements of beauty featuring open ceilings, bright and open space and tons of natural light,” according to the ad for this two-bed, one-bath cottage on Congo Street on the edge of Sunnyside. No pets allowed, but the unit isn’t available until January so maybe there’s time for someone to come around. It’s $4,000 in any case.