What $4,900 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: $4,900.

The building at 99 Rausch seems to have an identity crisis: It’s listed in Hayes Valley, but the ad describes the building’s design as “inspired by the Mid-Market renaissance.” In truth, it’s in neither place and instead sits squarely in the middle of SoMa—maybe those advertising the building fear that neighborhood doesn’t communicate the “perfect balance of sanctuary and sophistication.” No matter, this two-bed, two-bath condo is $4,800 per month. The unit is on the top floor (the building measures six stories) with a balcony, but doesn’t call itself a penthouse as virtually any top-floor offering these days would do. Advertised amenities include “gym, owners lounge, yoga area, pet washing station,” and roof deck.

This SoMa loft, located on the opposite side of the neighborhood, also tries to play into SoMa’s newly minted reputation as a place for high-end construction, dubbed a “luxury live/work loft with city views.” For $4,900 per month, you get one bed, one and a half baths, and a sprawling 1,600 square feet with SoMa warehouse-style windows, “exposed concrete pillars, piping accents, and track lighting.” Unfortunately, “this unit does not allow pets,” so apparently luxury living need not include every possible luxury.

This building in the “heart of Noe Valley” predates the 1906 earthquake, according to SF Planning records, but markets itself as “updated” with a “remodeled kitchen and bath.” That remodel evidently spared the brown shingled exterior and terra cotta roof—a combination not often seen in this neighborhood. The apartment comes in at three beds and one bath, and features “wall to wall carpet” and “high ceilings” (no word on exactly how high), with the unit panning out to roughly 1,000 square feet. Alas, this is another no-pets arrangement, even for $4,700 per month.

And here’s yet another “newly remodeled” offering, this one in the Mission between 21st and 22nd, squeezing four bedrooms and one and a half baths into a 1,000 square foot apartment dubbed “beautiful, sunny, and spacious.” According to the ad, the floors are new, a product of the remodel, along with another “brand new kitchen with granite counter tops and new stainless steel appliances.” At least one of the bedrooms comes stocked with bay windows, while another bears an odd lemon-yellow paint scheme. No mention here of pets, but the deal is $4,800 per month either way.

Finally, for a single-family house for rent, potential tenants should head to West Portal for this two-bed and split-bath residence that the city dates to 1918. It will cost you $4,900 per month. As usual at this price point, no word on whether the deal includes pets, but it does specify “large foyer, grand living room with decorative fireplace, dining area, updated kitchen,” “garage that is used as storage with car pad in front of garage for one car,” and even “an additional room that could be a nursery or office”—or, an additional bedroom should the need arise.