I agree that getting by in SF on minimum wage jobs is likely impossible, but at the same time for most of human history separate bedrooms have been a luxury.

It'd be interesting to find out if two people could afford a studio or 1-br for 4 jobs or fewer. (I'm guessing not, but you never know.)

For most of human history indoor plumbing has also been a luxury.

Though you're right that a 1-br + living space should be "decent" for 2 people (the 2-br probably has a living +kitchen too, so is probably not bad in living arangements). Studios are usually a pretty tight fit (euphemism) for 2 people I'd think though.

I've lived in a couple of studios with my previous SO, for something like 3-4 years. In a huge number of ways I prefer it to live living in a 2 bedroom like I do now (however I much prefer living with my wife, so....)

It enforces a minimalist aesthetic, excellent cooperation, solid space management and living a good chunk of your life out of the house. Which makes for a nice lifestyle.

However your mileage may vary (and I think it certainly matters that we chose to live this way, and where not forced to...)

I don't know what size your studio was, but as a student I've been in studios around 18m2, and I fill it up well enough with my own stuff. Might be more due to my hoarder personality than other things