What is the cost of living in San Francisco?

The cost of living in San Francisco is 15.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 84.1). Groceries are 7.7% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 2.6% more expensive than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 3,679 per month. Local purchasing power index is 153.0 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 CA, United States · #7 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to San Francisco?

Q: Should I move to San Francisco?

San Francisco, CA, United States has a cost of living 15.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 84.1). It is ranked #7 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 153.0 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

15.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-15.9%

vs NYC

USD 3,679

1-BR, city centre

153.0

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to San Francisco?

Cost breakdown: San Francisco

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

84.1 Very expensive

Rent

75.9 Above average

Groceries

92.3 Above average

Restaurants

102.6 Expensive

Purchasing Power

153.0 Very strong

Rent in San Francisco

1-BR, city centre USD 3,679/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 2,619/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 5,625/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 4,604/mo

Save by going outside centre 29% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 San Jose

CA, United States

CoL index 86.2

Compare San Jose vs San Francisco →

🇺🇸 San Diego

CA, United States

CoL index 79.3

Compare San Diego vs San Francisco →

🇺🇸 Los Angeles

CA, United States

CoL index 75.5

Compare Los Angeles vs San Francisco →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in San Francisco after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

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