A single mother of two from San Mateo has unexpectedly found herself at the center of an online firestorm after revealing that she rents out her garage for a staggering $1,000 per month — a price that has left thousands divided. What began as a simple attempt to help support her family has turned into a national conversation about the housing crisis, survival, and the lengths everyday people must go to in order to stay afloat.
The viral video shows the mother walking through her clean, organized garage — a space that many would normally associate with storage boxes, sports gear, or tools. But in her case, it has become a vital source of income. With San Mateo being one of the most expensive cities in the United States, her decision is less about profit and more about staying financially stable in a market where even middle-class families struggle to keep up.
The garage, while basic, is tidy and spacious, with enough room for a small bed, shelving, and personal belongings. Critics argue that $1,000 is too high for a space without traditional amenities, while supporters point out that in the Bay Area, that price is shockingly normal — if not cheap. Some viewers noted that they’ve seen people paying far more for smaller spaces, including living rooms, backyard sheds, and shared bedrooms.
The single mom explained that after rent, childcare, groceries, transportation, and basic bills, she had little left to support her children or save for emergencies. Renting out her garage became a solution that allowed her to remain in her community, keep her kids in the same school, and avoid falling behind financially. “I’m doing what I have to do,” she said in the video. “And I’m not ashamed of trying to survive.”
But online reactions have been far from unified. Some people praised her, calling her “resourceful,” “smart,” and “a mom doing whatever it takes.” Others criticized the situation, arguing that no one should be forced to rent out a garage just to make ends meet. Housing advocates chimed in too, saying the situation highlights the growing crisis across California, where salaries have not kept up with soaring housing costs.
Many pointed out that the real issue isn’t the mom — it’s the system. In San Mateo, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,800 to over $3,400, while the median home price is above $1.6 million. In such a market, unconventional living arrangements are becoming more common, not less. From converted garages to micro-apartments, people are adapting however they can.
The renter of the garage has not been publicly identified, but according to the mom, the arrangement is working well. She emphasized that the tenant is aware of the limitations and is grateful for a more affordable option in a city where even modest rooms can cost more than an entire paycheck.
As the debate intensifies online, one thing is clear: this story has struck a nerve. It reflects the reality for countless families trying to keep their heads above water in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
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