Cost of Living in San Francisco, CA
Population 836,321 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in San Francisco cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.4 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Francisco
The median home value in San Francisco is $1,380,500 — 353% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,419/month, 84% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,446/year is 90% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, San Francisco has a cost of living index of 345 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 245% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco has a cost index of 345 (100 = national average). It is 245% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Francisco, CA?
The median gross rent in San Francisco is $2,419 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Francisco?
The median home value in San Francisco is $1,380,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Francisco?
The median household income in San Francisco is $141,446 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Francisco, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Francisco is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Francisco, CA affordable?
San Francisco is above average in cost of living, with an index of 345 — about 245% higher than the national average.
San Francisco at a Glance
- Population
- 836,321
- Median Income
- $141,446
- Home Value
- $1,380,500
- Median Rent
- $2,419/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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