For me, it really depends.  I've had great experiences at the 4$$-5$$ range and great experiences from 6$$-$1k.  I tend to see more visitors than locals.  For locals, I think 6$$-$1k has been a good range for me.  The ladies I'm motivated to see regularly tend to be in that range.

As for expectations, I tend to focus more on the companion I'm interested in meeting than the rate.  I mean if I can afford the rate, that is.    lol   So, setting affordability aside for a moment, I'm more focused on her energy, personality and our ability to connect.  It's hard to "know" if you can really connect with someone just by looking at their photos, but I use a combination of how their photos "resonate" with me and how our communication flows.   Fairly recently, I exchanged some email messages (only 2 or 3, not 100 lol) with a companion in Sacramento.  I liked her photos and I liked what I read on her website.  Our email exchange was amazing and I'm motivated to meet her when my schedule permits.   Her 90min rate is 9$$ and that works ok for me.   Also, lack of reviews aren't an issue for me.  I don't know if this companion has any reviews here or elsewhere and I haven't looked.  Our communication has been enough for me to want to meet her.

On the flip-side, I was communicating with another companion, more local to me (she's based in the East Bay).  Great photos, loved her website.  However, the communication was lacking such that she seemed a bit disorganized (i.e. "flaky", not reliable) despite being very friendly and sweet.   So, I'm not going to pursue a date with her.  The rate I was interested in was $1k for 2hrs.

Lastly, I'm not one who seeks "specifics" when booking dates.  Both ladies above offer GFEs, but I'm not comparing or even asking them specifics about their GFEs, which could be greatly different.

I do plan on seeing more local companions this year and I hope to have my first local date this weekend.  

I've been making my way through the top providers list in SF and have to say the ratings haven't disappointed.  Great choices in the 500-700 range