What $4,900 rents you 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 is another person’s townhouse? Today’s price: $4,900.

Via Craigslist

This two-story cottage on 24th Street and Castro doesn’t attempt any of the faux-urban-rustic vibe usually associated with words like “cottage” and “cabin,” instead coming off as a contemporary condo with two beds, one bath, “spacious living and dining space,” and hardwood floors. At least the small backyard—or “private outdoor space” as it’s dubbed in the ad—provides a little hint of nature. Also, no pets allowed, but “service or support animals which are necessary due to disability will be allowed.” Rent is $4,850 per month.

Via Craigslist

Just a few blocks west, Noe Valley butts up against the slope of Twin Peaks to form a tiny redoubt sometimes called Noe Hill, which is only a couple of blocks but, in terms of comparing rentals, might as well be another world entirely. On 25th Street, the rental price of $4,800 per month nets a 1906 three-bed, one-bath house coming in at 1,200 square feet. Technically, the third bedroom is an “office or nursery,” with some flexibility required. That includes a two-car garage, pets (so long as they’re “small pets”), and a backyard too, although the latter is so snug that the rear deck takes up the entire space.

Via Craigslist

This “luxury live/work loft with city views” in China Basin is supposed to come furnished, but the photos make it look like a virtual tabula rasa. But it’s a nice way to show off the full extent of its 1,300 square feet upstairs and down. The one-bed, one-and-a-half bath setup promises “unparalleled comfort and design” along the lines of exposed concrete, oversized warehouse windows, granite counters, formal dining room, and track lighting. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed. Alas. The designer price is $4,900 per month.

Via Craigslist

The Metropolitan building at 333 First Street has been around since 2004, before the East Cut was trendy and long before anyone would even think of calling it the East Cut. It’s definitely kept up with the times, as a two-bed, two-bath, 950-square-foot condo with “stunning, unobstructed views of downtown” costs $4,800 per month. Anybody’s guess how long unobstructed views will stay unobstructed when new construction comes along, but being on a hill gives a leg up. The ad dangles extras like “24-hour doorman building with a fabulous gym, movie theater, business center, conference room, and indoor pool,” but the biggest perk is the pet allowances.

Via Craigslist

And finally, things never feel quite complete without at least one Victorian, this one a Potrero Hill number on the “desirable north slope” at 20th and Rhode Island. The upstairs apartment for rent features a dramatic picture window and a vaulted ceiling that vaults all the way down to the floors. The three-bed, one-bath, 1,000-square-foot home runs $4,750 per month; no word about pets.