If the above red-colored statement is true, and if overall income in SF area is increasing 14%, then you should pay 14% more. If not, you should move out thee to find appropriate place. It probably means many are vacant in SF area, if overall SF income is NOT 14% increased. Also I heard that in Mexico and some asian countries like Hong Kong, the RIR is the red-colored statement is roughly 35% or 40%. (I believe that people level of US is NOT as low as Mexico and (small city of) Hong Kong) I guess many well-educated people in developed US shall NOT pay more than 25% since average was 22%. Fortunately, he can be free to move out, even paying moving cost for a day. It is almost same as to decide freely to buy a cheap PC produced other state or other country like China, instead of PC made in NY. In the meantime PC industry in NY or SF will be dead, for the high price asked.