Cost of Living in San Francisco, United States

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 89/100 (New York = 100). It is 11% cheaper than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

89/100
Cost Index
$8,160/mo
Median Income
45/100
Safety Index
Mediterranean
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 95/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,024/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$2,500/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$4,300/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 68/100
Milk (1 liter)$5.11/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$4.25/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$3.5/kg
Dining OutScore: 75/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$25/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$120/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$14/meal
TransportationScore: 62/100
Monthly Transit Pass$98/month
One-Way Ticket$3/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.75/km
UtilitiesScore: 72/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$389/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$75/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$55/month
HealthcareScore: 65/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$150/visit
Dentist Visit$164/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$25/course
EntertainmentScore: 75/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$16.74/ticket
Theater Ticket$65/ticket
Museum Entry$20/ticket
FitnessScore: 72/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$85/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$35/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$12/entry
Personal CareScore: 68/100
Haircut (Men)$29/cut
Haircut (Women)$60/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$8/bottle
ClothingScore: 70/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$85/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$55/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$115/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

150 Mbps
Internet Speed
$450
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
87/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: SOMA, Mission District, Hayes Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheap to live in?

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 89/100, where New York = 100. It is 11% cheaper than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $1,780–$2,492 per month.

How much does rent cost in San Francisco?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of San Francisco costs approximately $3,024/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $2,500/month.

Is San Francisco good for digital nomads?

San Francisco has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 150 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $450/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in San Francisco?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD. The income tax rate is around 37%.

How does San Francisco compare to New York for cost of living?

San Francisco (cost index 89) is 11% cheaper than New York (cost index 100). You could save roughly $275/month by moving from New York to San Francisco.

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