What $2,500 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? Today’s price: $2,500.

Via Craigslist

Here’s an an ad for an apartment that answers two questions: First, what is the most serene Bayview location, and second, what in the world is a half bedroom? The answer to point number one, apparently, is Oakdale and Phelps. And the second point is somewhat more ambiguous, as this so-called one-and-a-half-bedroom pad consists of a single bedroom at 100 square feet and then a second smaller one at 65 square feet, which you can only enter via the first bedroom. Not clear whether it’s the small size or inconvenient locale that marks it as a half room; the apartment is also a single-bath home. Note that the tiled space to the side of the living room in the photos is not the tiny bedroom but in fact a breakfast nook. The price is $2,500 per month. The ad doesn’t say whether or not pets are allowed—mystery upon mysteries.

Via Craigslist

Everything is out in the open with this Cole Valley apartment. It’s a snug affair, a junior-one-bedroom, one-bath pad that measures 440 square feet for $2,500 per month. Bonus: The landlord deems it “pet-friendly” in the headline. This appears to be an in-law, a “ground-floor garden unit in beautiful owner-occupied pre-earthquake Edwardian” accessible through a somewhat untamed looking backyard. Note the old pre-earthquake bricks peaking through the gap in the kitchen. Pet owners do need to pay some additional pet rent on this place.

Via Craigslist

Speaking of junior-one-bed apartments, here’s one in Russian Hill for $2,500 per month. While no one should ever call that number a bargain, it’s hard to find a toehold in the neighborhood at that price. (Of 225 active Russian Hill ads on Craigslist, only 33 cost $2,500 or less.) This fifth-floor redoubt includes “hardwood floors throughout,” walk-in closets, “beautiful lobby entrance in building,” and an “entrance foyer” despite the whole apartment measuring 635 square feet. It’s also situated inside a “gorgeous Victorian building.” Again, no word here about pets.

Via Craigslist

The only comparatively large place on the slate at this price point is a two-bed, one-bath, single-family house in Lakeshore, one of the city’s more obscure and out of the way places but increasingly one likely to draw the eyes of renters seeking a bargain. The “center patio-style home” packs a formal dining room, a breakfast nook, a garage, “refinished hardwood floors,” and a functioning fireplace for $2,500 per month. Once again, no word on pets. Alas.