New York, NY vs San Francisco, CA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
The headline difference between these two markets is housing: a typical home in New York runs $752,000 versus $1.4 million in San Francisco, a 46% gap that dominates most relocation math.
Median Home Value
$751,700 ✓
$1,380,500
Zillow Home Value
$812,534
$1,299,229
Median Gross Rent
$1,779/mo ✓
$2,419/mo
Owner Occupied %
32.8%
38.5%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.2x
47.6x
Median Household Income
$79,713
$141,446 ✓
Per Capita Income
$50,776
$90,285
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
5.6% ✓
Poverty Rate
17.4%
10.6%
Avg Commute (min)
44.8 min
34.2 min
Drove Alone %
21.9%
28.6%
Public Transit %
45.5%
21.4%
Work From Home %
15.0%
27.5%
State Income Tax
10.9%
13.3%
Total Sales Tax
8.5% ✓
8.7%
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
0.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
23.6%
35.1%
Median Age
38
39.7
Avg High Temp
62.6°F
—
Annual Precipitation
49.5"
30"
Annual Snowfall
29.8"
—
New York, NY 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
San Francisco, CA 2 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →