Say what? 69 percent of San Franciscans think their rent is a 'good deal,' survey finds

Click through the slideshow to see the most expensive zip codes in the Bay Area for renters. less A majority of SF renters think they're getting a "good deal," according to a recent survey. But perhaps that shows just how twisted our perceptions are in the Bay Area. Click through the slideshow to see the ... more A majority of SF renters think they're getting a "good deal," according to a recent survey. But perhaps that shows just how twisted our perceptions are in the Bay Area. Photo: Christie Hemm Klok / New York Times Photo: Christie Hemm Klok / New York Times Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Say what? 69 percent of San Franciscans think their rent is a 'good deal,' survey finds 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

San Franciscans are apparently so jaded by the city's insane cost of living, many think they're getting a "good deal" on their apartments. At least that's according to the findings of Zumper's annual renter report, released this week.

According to the survey, 69 percent of San Francisco respondents consider their rent a "good deal." More than 70 percent of San Jose survey-takers said the same. Of all the cities surveyed, San Francisco and San Jose had the highest percentage of respondents who think their apartments are bargains.

The survey did not specify exactly what the phrase "good deal" means, though in most contexts, it's used to mean "something bought at a cheap price." In this case, it seems many survey takers interpreted "good deal" to mean that they are getting more bang for their buck than other renters in their city.

Interestingly, researchers estimate that 60 percent of San Franciscans live in rent-controlled apartments, which is only nine points lower than survey respondents who said their apartments were "good deals."

More than 5,300 people took Zumper's survey, the report explains, though it did not specify how many of those respondents lived in San Francisco.

Zumper also asked respondents whether they believed the "American Dream" involves homeownership. Thirty-three percent said no — up one percentage point from last year, and four points from the 2016 survey.

The survey also found an increase in the percentage of young adults (18-24) who live with their parents — up seven percentage points from last year. Of the same vein, eight percent of respondents admitted that their parents help them pay rent, including five percent of San Francisco survey-takers.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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