The Cost of Living in San Francisco for a Single Person

Living in San Francisco can be extremely expensive, especially when considering the cost of a home or an apartment, which can start around $3,000 per month. However, budgeting carefully can help you manage your living expenses even without factoring in rent.

Assumptions and Findings

A person may look to maintain a certain lifestyle at a minimal cost, while still having enough comfort and amenities. This article explores the average costs of living in San Francisco, excluding rent. The findings are based on the assumption that a person is looking for minimal cost with reasonable quality of life. This could potentially be even cheaper if the individual is willing to starve or adopt a more austere lifestyle.

Monthly Expenses Breakdown

Food and Groceries

We estimate that the cost of food and sundries can range from $80 to $100 per week, depending on how well one eats. Prepared meals delivered to the doorstep could double that cost. For those who enjoy dining out, be prepared for higher expenses. A neighborhood restaurant might offer specials for around $10 to $15, plus a drink and tip. Food trucks offer a more economical option ranging from $5 to $10 for a meal. As for drinks, happy hour could be the best time to go, where a pint of beer can cost around $5 and can add up to $20 for a couple of hours of bar time.

Transportation

The cost of transportation is predictable, with a monthly Muni and BART pass costing $94. Lyft or Uber rides can range from $6 to $20, but they can add up quickly. Alternatively, owning a bike can cost about $20 to $50 per month for maintenance and repairs.

Phone and Internet

Options like unlimited data plans cost around $55 per month, with an annual smartphone upgrade plan costing the same. If you use a cellular hotspot and prefer free Wi-Fi for your laptop, the total monthly cost for these services can be as low as $110, which is quite reasonable for the services provided.

Entertainment

Cable and home internet services can be eschewed for streaming options, with a budget of $0 to $50. Home internet service alone can cost between $30 to $80 per month. You could use a cellular hotspot or prefer Wi-Fi, thereby reducing the expenses.

Utilities and Insurance

Utilities depend on rent and the number of people sharing it, ranging from free to up to $150 per month. Renters insurance is inexpensive, at around $20 per month, and strongly recommended. Pets can require between $30 to $50 per month and additional expenses like food, occasional vet visits (ranging from $60 to $300), and grooming (about $80 to $100 per visit).

Health Care

Opportunities to access health insurance are available through Covered California if you do not have employee coverage. It's crucial not to go without insurance.

Total Budget Estimation

Adding up the non-discretionary and discretionary expenses can give a rough approximation of the monthly costs:

Non-discretionary expenses: $400 for food, $200 for transportation within SF, $110 for smart phone and internet, $200 for utilities and insurance. Total: $900 to $1,000, not including health insurance. Discretionary expenses: $200 more for socializing, dining, and drinking; $50 for home entertainment; $50 for outside entertainment; and around $200 for the unexpected. Total: $500, potentially more.

Overall, living in San Francisco while minimizing expenses can be challenging but achievable. However, it requires careful budgeting and sometimes a somewhat frugal approach to lifestyle.