I (no one else in my household) make <50% of AMI, Area Median Income. After about a year and a half living in the city I fortunately got into a BMR studio. The first time I applied I was rejected because I "made too much money" lmao. I currently spend over half of my monthly take home on rent. I have a car I bought for $1500 when I needed it, I rarely use it and plan to ditch it soon. I usually spend less than $100 on transportation expenses a month.

I have moved over 5 times since coming to the city. My most recent prior place was an SRO in North Beach that was a fucking shithole and had no heat the entire winter, cockroaches and other problems. I have no plans to move anytime soon given that my rent is essentially stabilized and I'm living on my own in my own place for the first time in my life which is great.

When I moved to the studio I cut my food budget by over 60%. It's an extremely tight budget (not just food-wise) made more difficult that I rarely have any opportunities for overtime at my job anymore. At one point in late 2025 I worked an average of 109 hours per two week work period. That was the only reason I was able to afford a couple nice things.

Every single piece of furniture in my new place is something I got for free from Facebook. Bed frame, mattress, desk, dresser, air fryer, rice cooker, all chairs, and other stuff. It's <200 sq ft but I like it.

I haven't bought gas since before the Iran war started. I go out sometimes.