Deshprem,

Bay area is not that small place, and public transportation is not so good here.Even if you have your own vehicle, you probably dont want to spent $4/gallon or even more to commute. However, I have been living here for almost 2 years and I really love this place.

 I highly suggest you to narrow down you search area and please avoid staying in areas like Okland and Hayward.. if you can ! It's  the hottest crime area... though rent is relatively cheap in these places. There are a lot nepali everywhere in Bay Area, if you attend one or two parties you will have enough friends.

If you are  two sisters, you better search in craiglist and rent a bedroom or studio.. whatever you plan too in the nearest location where you work or study.

Oh yea, the rent is too high righ now due to forclosure... problem.. as demand for the apartment is high. So be ready to pay somewhere around $1000 for studio and around $1300 for single bed room apartment.

Good Luck

Sampada