It's really hard to beat living and working in San Francisco. Having lived here a few years I find costs highly overstated for single people.
e.g. some costs:
Studio in Lower Haight (water + trash included): $2100/month
Utilities: $50
Monthly Muni: $81
Groceries are no more expensive than anywhere else. Eating out is similar vs other cities I've been to, and if anything the quality of the food is better here at the mid price range.
If I lived in a smaller or mid-sized city there's a good chance I would have to get a car, so any savings in terms of rent would just go to owning and maintaining a car.
e.g. some costs:
Studio in Lower Haight (water + trash included): $2100/month Utilities: $50 Monthly Muni: $81
Groceries are no more expensive than anywhere else. Eating out is similar vs other cities I've been to, and if anything the quality of the food is better here at the mid price range.
If I lived in a smaller or mid-sized city there's a good chance I would have to get a car, so any savings in terms of rent would just go to owning and maintaining a car.