Cost of Living in South San Francisco, CA
Population 64,487 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in South San Francisco sits 280% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $135,909 (82% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, South San Francisco sits roughly 5 miles east of Daly City. Housing prices track closely with Daly City's $1.1 million median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South San Francisco
The median home value in South San Francisco is $1,160,100 — 280% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,833/month, 116% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $135,909/year is 82% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 66.9°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, South San Francisco has a cost of living index of 314 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 214% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 61 | 63 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 72 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 45 | 46 | 48 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 53 | 49 | 45 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.96 | 2.73 | 1.36 | 0.48 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.79 | 2.04 | 4.14 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has a cost index of 314 (100 = national average). It is 214% above the national average.
What is average rent in South San Francisco, CA?
The median gross rent in South San Francisco is $2,833 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South San Francisco?
The median home value in South San Francisco is $1,160,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South San Francisco?
The median household income in South San Francisco is $135,909 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South San Francisco, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South San Francisco is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is South San Francisco, CA affordable?
South San Francisco is above average in cost of living, with an index of 314 — about 214% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco has average high temperatures of 66.9°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South San Francisco at a Glance
- Population
- 64,487
- Median Income
- $135,909
- Home Value
- $1,160,100
- Median Rent
- $2,833/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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