San Francisco Is So Expensive Even Renters Can Be NIMBYs

Isn't rent control a big part of this? Does the effect persist in non rent controlled cities?

Though actually, thinking about my own feelings, as a renter in an expensive and non rent controlled city (Sydney) I would be opposed to any major development nearby. It's unlikely to materially lower my rent, but is likely to lower the overall quality of the neighbourhood (crowding, traffic, shadows, and the general ugliness of new apartment buildings).

Now, I'm not saying that the fact that I oppose it means that I have any moral right to stop it, but it's not surprising that renters should oppose development too.