Favorite frugal things in bay area?

[ea1776]

I am new to the bay area, moving me and my wife here for work. Needless to say a huge cost of living increase! So I was hoping some of the folks on this thread had tips for good frugal places and things to do!

For groceries is safe way the least expensive? Also seems like farmer's markets may be a good place to pick up food. What about restaurants? Things to do? What about Internet? Don't care about cable or phone so I'll be looking into the cheapest high speed web access. Any other utilities options to think about?

[MonkeyMama]

Safeway? Ugh no!

Good Luck! We left the Bay Area (I grew up there - too insane expensive).

As such, I haven't lived there for a decade so no real advice. I just live in Sacramento and I believe Safeway to be the most expensive grocery store up here. Shop around a bit. Target has some good grocery prices.

Utilities? Not a lot of choice there. Internet? Choices Comcast or ATT? Not a lot of choice? (I haven't lived there in a decade so someone else will hopefully be more helpful).

Things to do? Hmmmmm. Lots of hiking and ENDLESS museums, festivals, etc. You will not lack for things to do. Just keep your ears and eyes open.

[MrPolarZero]

if you want to be frugal, get rid of eating at restaurants. Instead, shop for groceries and cook your favorite meal at home. That would probably cut down your expenses and may even save food since you can keep the leftovers in your fridge

[Jenniferw]

Everything is not that expensive except housing.

[MonkeyMama]

Originally Posted by Jenniferw

Everything is not that expensive except housing.

Seriously?

Yes it is. Almost everything is more expensive.

But, what do I know, only lived there for 25 years.

High wages and home prices trickle down into the higher price of just about everything. Even groceries, utilities, etc.

I sometimes shop in the Bay Area for things (most recently, a bike). I was able to get a much bigger discount by picking a bicycle in Sacramento.

That said, I will buy a used car, private party, in the Bay Area. There is a bigger abundance of nicer cars for sale. Supply/demand. It's the only exception I Can think of. Wal Mart may have the same prices, but the sales tax is larger. So it's more expensive.

[NolaP]

I'm sure they have bulk stores in that area - buying in bulk is usually a cheaper way to go in terms of household items and groceries. I also live in a very expensive area, the USVI, and that is one thing I do to save money. Goods have to be shipped here so everything is expensive.

[shanecurran]

You can always get inexpensive Asian food in SF. I think in terms of taste and price that is the best choice for eating out or togo food.