SF is complicated because the housing prices are so in flux, but as of a few years ago I was living in SF in a decent place with a single roommate for about ~$25k&#x2F;yr (it&#x27;s a couple K higher now).  I&#x27;m still rent-controlled at that place but market rate on that same apartment is roughly double now, and that&#x27;s far far more than any of my friends are paying (my location is pretty great).  So even worst-case (i.e. if I was paying market and chose not to move into a cheaper place), I would be paying maybe $40k?<p>So the long and short of it is, $125k, even before tax, is far more than you need to live in SF for a single person. That isn&#x27;t to say it&#x27;s wonderful to have to spend so much on rent, but it&#x27;s beyond hyperbole to say you need $125k+ to survive.