i've grown up with san francisco's relatively high cost of living, so it seems normal to me that a decent starter home would cost about $800k here. but i've noticed that the same home can be found for way less elsewhere, like closer to $200k.

you can't find much worth buying at that level here. within the city limits of san francisco, based on current listings, you can get:

a. for $199k (plus monthly hoa of $314): 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom 807 sf condo with 1 parking spot. it's in a gated community with 24-hour security (because that area needs it). it's right off the freeway with easy access to public transportation. and your neighbors would be the 49ers stadium to one side, and the city's waste management headquarters on the other side.

b. for $205k: a bank-owned 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom 1440 sf single family house in a working class area on the edge of the city. there's only one cropped photo of the exterior and a basic description that mentions "loads of potential" and "an improving neighborhood."

eta: neither of these would be considered even remotely "desirable" by anyone i know.

so what kind of house can you get for $200k in your city?