It can be expensive here...

So, we love San Francisco, but it ain't cheap by US standards (but may be so for EU...)

Here is a little website info about basic food costs.

http://www.burbed.com/2006/12/25/heres-your-christmas-gift-20-
savings-on-groceries/

I am living here just fine on my teacher's salary (which is likely higher than in other parts of the US as well), so I am used to it.