This is a big one. Rents are sky high in Silicon Valley and unless you have deep pockets it makes sense to share the rent. If you are single, you may be able to afford a room in a house. It is typically better and cheaper than living alone in a studio or 1 bedroom apartment / condo. If you rent a room in a house, then you may make friends with the landlord if he/she lives in the same property. Or you can make friends with the roommates. It helps to make friends who have been around when you are new. They can help and guide you with many things. For example you may ask for a ride to/from the airport. You can share Costco membership. You can share internet. You can share phone accounts and get family plans instead of single user plans. It all ads up. If you are a student, prepare that there are students who share a 2 bedroom condo with 4 to 8 roommates, crushing the per person rent to negligible levels at the expense of life style.
Bay Area Housing
