This isn’t going to shock you — San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the country.
Its vibe is totally different than its expensive East Coast cousin, New York City, but the two cities provide quite an expensive set of bookends to the country.
Rental prices, and the overall cost of living, drive many to seek out multiple roommates when searching for a San Francisco abode. Yet, even with this added issue, the city itself offers so much style and flair that it will forever be a popular destination to call home.
According to Apartment Guide data from May 2021, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Bay Area will cost you about $4,675 a month. Although that’s a decrease from past years, the price is still on the high side.
If you think shelling out nearly $5,000 in rent per month is a lot, imagine what it would be like to pay $19,500. That’s what it costs for the most expensive apartment in San Francisco.
Live life inside a national park
The most expensive apartment in San Francisco is actually located inside a national park. It’s not the first place that comes to mind to start apartment hunting, but The Presidio Residences in Presidio National Park have a unique history.
This 1,491-acre park has 21 distinct neighborhoods within it. Each residence was once a military building used back when the park served as an outpost. The park was actually a military outpost from 1776 all the way until 1994. In October of that year, the area became the responsibility of the National Park Service. Today, this area is quiet and full of natural beauty, but it’s also conveniently located to the rest of San Francisco.
Sitting on the northernmost tip of San Francisco, living here puts you close to Baker Beach, the Marina and the Golden Gate Bridge. Within the park itself, you have access to attractions like the Korean War Memorial and the Walt Disney Family Museum. You’re also close to a few other neighborhoods right around the corner, including Pacific Heights and Inner Richmond.
More space for the price tag
It’s no surprise that a $19,500 rental will get you a lot of space. This particular unit within the larger neighborhoods of The Presidio Residences has seven bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. It’s meant to impress. With three floors of living space, this 4,100 square-foot home includes bonus spaces like a sun porch and study. It’s also full of windows for amazing natural light.
You’ll also find a private yard, washer and dryer hook-ups and well-cared-for hardwood floors. The area offers up ocean views as well as easy access to the mature and lush landscape you can only find within a national park.
Parking, something that’s challenging to find in San Francisco, is also included. Not only that, but the community is also green and pet-friendly.
A little spot of calm in the busy city
The combination of outdoor activity, and easy access to the more urban parts of San Francisco, give living within Presidio National Park a little something special. You’ve got hiking trails and excellent green spaces right outside your door, along with a free shuttle into the downtown area.
If you want to stay within the neighborhood and just hang out, you’ll have access to a pool, fitness center, tennis courts and even a playground.
For those environmentally-conscious residents, The Presidio Residences offers up a lot of amenities. You’ll find a community garden, charging stations for your electric vehicle, community composting and even on-site recycling.
You could also spend this money on…
Paying $19,500 per month in rent totals up to $234,000 for the entire year. That’s a lot. More than you most likely have spent on a single item, even a car.
If you happen to find somewhere less expensive to call home, that you love just as much, consider taking this money and getting something else. You could even put it toward something that’s pure San Francisco.
For example, $234,000 would get you….
- 36,000 boxes of Rice-A-Roni (it is the San Francisco treat after all)
- 29,250 cable car rides around the city
- 5,707 visits to Alcatraz (during the day)
- 4,415 cases of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark candy bars
- 624 season tickets for the San Francisco 49ers
Although these quantities may be more than you really need, it’s easy to see how far the most expensive apartment in San Francisco’s monthly rent will get you with a few items that are quintessential to the city by the bay.
Pricy, but more affordable alternatives
Needless to say, $19,500 per month for rent isn’t anywhere close to the “average” you expect to pay in rent. The experts suggest a few strategies to calculate rent, including the 30 percent rule. With this price tag, you’d have to pull in over $700,000 a year to make enough. That’s not really starting salary range.
If you do have a little extra cash to throw toward a hot spot in San Francisco, consider calling one of these less pricey, but still higher-than-average, apartments home:
- NEMA: $9,772/month for a three-bedroom
- O&M Dogpatch: $9,753/month for a two-bedroom
- Parkmerced Apartments: $7,021/month for a three-bedroom
- 399 Freemont: $6,722 for a two-bedroom
- 855 Brannan: $6,543/month for a three-bedroom
These apartments stretch out across San Francisco, allowing you to find a little high-end living in a variety of neighborhoods.
Luxury living in San Francisco
In a city like San Francisco, living in luxury isn’t cheap. However, accessing the best amenities and calling the coolest location home may be well worth the cost. Maybe it’s time to consider living your best life in this fun and exciting city. But, if it’s a little too rich for your blood, you can find apartments for rent in San Francisco in all price ranges on Rent..
