How to live cheaply in SF while building a startup
Set a housing ceiling from cash on hand, not a hoped-for fundraise. Include utilities, transit, food, deposits, and the cost of moving. A private room farther out can be cheaper than a central shared bedroom only if the commute does not destroy your workday.
Choose a stable lease or legitimate sublet, then keep discretionary costs small. Share groceries, use public workspaces selectively, and avoid buying office furniture for a temporary room.
Cheap housing is useful only if it supports consistent sleep, focused work, and a runway you can actually measure.