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Yeah, a 25k median national salary was probably true thirty years ago. Has anyone ever tried living cheaply in San Francisco? It's not easy, or cheap. If you plan on working 8-10 hours a day, after commuting an hour or more each way, after five years, you'll go insane.

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I managed ~$14k/year of consumption in the early 2010s in the East Bay, as a single guy. $25k/year in SF is entirely doable, especially if you have a partner. Even if not, so long as you're willing to have housemates, it's practical.

I lived in East Palo Alto for a few years during that time. I was able to save some money and pay off some student loans. It was doable, but it wasn't great. Parking, traffic, garbage, noise, theft, and fleas were a constant thing.

Move when you retire to a LCOL area.

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