Another idea might be to rent in Oakland/East Bay - the rental market is much different there and you will get more for your money. Landlords are, frankly, less snobbish then in SF from what I've seen second-hand via friends who've rented there.

I know a lot of startup'ers who BART in from the East Bay to hang out in SoMa during the day and then travel back out -- it's quite convenient and cost-effective.

The downside is that many parts of Oakland are not ideal to live in, esp if you have a girlfriend (personal safety, etc) -- however you might feel the sacrifice is worth it in this situation.