Life in San Francisco can be thrilling, but it won’t be cheap. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your expenses and live well.
Get a roommate.
Even a small studio may be out of your budget, so it’s a good idea to plan on rooming with someone else. If your roommate is in a rent-controlled apartment, then it should be better. Set boundaries for yourself and your roommate, so everyone has a little alone time, and nobody feels crowded or disregarded.
Skip the car.
Parking in San Francisco can be costly, and a car may be unnecessary. Figure out a way to do what you need to do by using public transport, walking, or bicycling. Save yourself the hassle of traffic jams, get some exercise, and enjoy your time on the commute.
Eat simply.
A mostly vegetarian diet is healthy for your body, your budget, and the planet. Invest in a crockpot so you can soak and cook beans. Cook in batches and freeze the leftovers. These containers can serve as the ice in your lunch kit for the day; when you get home, heat them for dinner. Buy fresh fruit that travels quickly or split out produce such as grapes into easy packets you can grab and toss in your lunch kit.
Try a minimal wardrobe.
Be ready to shop for second-hand clothes. However, try to aim for a minimal wardrobe. For example, you might decide only to wear black clothes on the bottom. This choice will significantly simplify your second-hand shopping trips as any tops you buy will go with much of your wardrobe, and you can skip a lot of the pants and skirts on the rack.
Telecommute.
If your office will let you work from home, do so. Skip the time and the worry of travel. While you’re home, you can use your break time to clean your apartment or even build a side hustle.
Build a side business.
You will probably need more than one job to live well in San Francisco. Budget this time and put in the hours. One of the great things about freelance work of any kind is that you can define your hours, but the trade-off can be harsh. At your job, you may have vacation and sick pay. You can chat with a co-worker about a personal matter and still get paid for the time. When you freelance, it’s no-work, no-money. Be disciplined.
Find free stuff to do.
Take a stroll along the water, visit a museum, or ride the cable cars. Take a picnic to a local park or visit the library and find a new cookbook that focuses on meal planning, vegetarian foods, or a culture you want to study. Use your free time to learn how to save money or earn more.
San Francisco’s living can be structured manageably. The more moving parts you have in your life, the more expenses you’re likely to face. Focus on what is important to you and let the extra work and cost fall away.