How To Live In San Francisco, Insider Tips
Tips for living in San Francisco. San Francisco Life Hacks, Insider Guide San Francisco. New To San Francisco. San Francisco Local's Guide, How To Live In SF
Last updated August 12, 2024
Mostly for SF but a few more hacks for other Bay Area cities
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How To Live In San Francisco
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San Francisco Insider Guide
Some knowledge can take months and even years to acquire when living in San Francisco. There are plenty of things people wish they would have known sooner, many of which can say you lots of time, money and pain. There are some things people don’t know even after decades here in the city.
Below are some tips and insider guide for those moving to San Francisco as well as those who want to optimize their lives here in the city.
Below are some helpful guides to navigating living in San Francisco and some insider tips, things to know before moving out here, what to expect, and how to get the most out of living in SF.
More info, tips below. Full list of guides here.
How To Live In San Francisco Cheap
Many folks make the mistake of underestimating how expensive San Francisco is. Between high-speed internet, water & gas, one can pay anywhere from $100-250/month on utilities alone (even more if you run the heat often).
The first thing you should consider is getting roommates. It can save you hundreds of dollars a month and can save you from spiraling into a pit of loneliness which is not uncommon if you work many hours, never leave home, are not naturally charming and the like. In theory, the additional bodies will produce heat, lowering your heating bills.
The other big expense people don’t account for is owning a vehicle. Between time wasted looking for parking, high insurance rates, parking tickets and threat of break-ins, vehicle costs can quickly add up. Live near public transportation so you don’t have to worry about taxi rides piling up if you need to take them late, or don’t have consistent lines going to/from where you need to go.
Check out Buy Nothing groups on Facebook. Lots of people move out, move in with signficant others etc so there are lots of great furniture, appliances and what not if you are resourceful, patient and aggressive.
Make sure to cover up gaps in windows, door frames especially if you live in old Victorian homes.