[acchow]

I can (easily) afford SF. I can also afford to own a car in SF. I prefer not to because it is expensive and I prefer to spend my money on other things.

Also, contrary to your assumptions, I find my "quality of life" has dramatically increased since getting rid of a car due to not needing to stress out in traffic (and dodging cyclists); not doing any car maintenance ever; never needing to look for parking and the unknown time duration that could require.