Cost-of-living filter: DC (proper) vs. Oakland, CA (or East Bay--not SF). I am interviewing for positions in both Washington, DC and the Bay Area, and would need to relocate to either place. I would like specific and first-hand accounts/information about how far my salary would go in either place. Moreover, my goal is not simply to determine which is cheaper (that would appear to be Oakland), but to ascertain HOW MUCH cheaper, and to better inform any potential salary negotiation or decision making. [more inside]
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly on Sep 3, 2009 - 21 answers

We're looking to buy a house within an hour or so of San Francisco, but we aren't familiar enough with the surrounding areas to even know where to start looking. Where's a good place to live? Difficulty level: under $300k. [more inside]
posted by logic vs love on Jun 18, 2009 - 15 answers

Recommend a tailor in the Bay Area to create a custom made suit. [more inside]
posted by Nickel on Apr 14, 2009 - 2 answers

Where can I rent a "pocket bike" for the day in the Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by bradbane on Jan 5, 2009 - 4 answers

Where could we get a kitschy, Old-West-themed group shot taken in the Bay Area next week? [more inside]
posted by rafter on Jul 8, 2008 - 8 answers

Help us get the best out of our Oakland exploration [more inside]
posted by mikoroshi on Jun 10, 2008 - 16 answers

Good local banks/credit unions in Oakland/East Bay? [more inside]
posted by ilikecookies on May 22, 2008 - 4 answers

Need help finding a good park for a high school reunion family BBQ in the Berkeley/Albany CA area. [more inside]
posted by luriete on Apr 23, 2008 - 8 answers

Seahawks bars in Oakland or BART accessible? [more inside]
posted by ilikecookies on Nov 12, 2007 - 0 answers

Seeking recommendations for cooking classes in or around Oakland. [more inside]
posted by vespertine on May 7, 2006 - 5 answers