What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA?

Housing drives most of the cost-of-living picture in San Francisco — median home value of $1,348,700, median rent of $2,316/month — set against a median household income of $136,689 (US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in San Francisco?

At San Francisco's median rent of $2,316/month, the 30%-of-income guideline suggests an annual income around $92,640 to stay comfortably housed. See the full salary breakdown (renting and buying) for San Francisco.

Is it better to rent or buy in San Francisco?

Buying at San Francisco's median home value of $1,348,700 takes about $308,576 a year in principal-and-interest income (20% down, 30-year fixed, current mortgage rates), compared with roughly $92,640 a year to comfortably rent at the median $2,316/month. Down payment and expected length of stay usually settle the question.

Is San Francisco safe?

FBI data puts San Francisco's violent crime rate at 486.2 per 100,000 residents for 2025 — a useful benchmark alongside other cities you're weighing.

San Francisco, CA Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for San Francisco, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

San Francisco neighborhoods guide →

Salary needed to live in San Francisco →

851,036

Population

$136,689

Median household income

+90% vs tracked median

$1,348,700

Median home value

+313% vs tracked median

$2,316/mo

Median rent

+66% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

San Francisco counts roughly 851,036 residents, and the median household brings in $136,689 annually — +90% relative to the cities in our dataset, putting incomes here above the pack.

In San Francisco, the median home is valued at $1,348,700 — above the median across the cities we track (+313%) — and typical rent runs $2,316 a month. Factor in mortgage rates and property taxes when sizing up whether buying pencils out.

The ratio of median home value to median household income in San Francisco — roughly 9.9× — is on the high side, a sign that local pay hasn't kept pace with housing costs. Home prices around San Francisco have been essentially flat over the past year, up just 0.5%. FEMA rates San Francisco's overall natural-hazard risk as Very High — worth factoring into home insurance costs.

Personal Affordability Check

Your annual household income: $136,689

Comfortable

Renting at $2,316/mo in San Francisco would take 20.3% of your income.

$1,101/mo under the 30% guideline.

Well Above Recommended DTI

Buying the median home ($1,348,700) would take 63.2% of your income toward principal & interest.

$4,011/mo over the 28% guideline.

Cost of housing in San Francisco

Median home value is $1,348,700 and median gross rent is $2,316/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

FHFA's county-level home price index for San Francisco rose 0.5% over the past year (as of 2025).

HUD's FY 2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit in the surrounding county is $3,604/month.

Climate & home insurance

FEMA rates San Francisco's overall natural-hazard risk as Very High. Risk level is a major driver of home insurance premiums.

Safety

San Francisco reported a violent crime rate of 486.2 per 100,000 residents in 2025, per FBI data.

Moving to San Francisco

Planning a move to San Francisco? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

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Cost estimates for moving between San Francisco and nearby popular destinations:

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA?: Housing drives most of the cost-of-living picture in San Francisco — median home value of $1,348,700, median rent of $2,316/month — set against a median household income of $136,689 (US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in San Francisco?: At San Francisco's median rent of $2,316/month, the 30%-of-income guideline suggests an annual income around $92,640 to stay comfortably housed. See the full salary breakdown (renting and buying) for San Francisco.
Is it better to rent or buy in San Francisco?: Buying at San Francisco's median home value of $1,348,700 takes about $308,576 a year in principal-and-interest income (20% down, 30-year fixed, current mortgage rates), compared with roughly $92,640 a year to comfortably rent at the median $2,316/month. Down payment and expected length of stay usually settle the question.
Is San Francisco safe?: FBI data puts San Francisco's violent crime rate at 486.2 per 100,000 residents for 2025 — a useful benchmark alongside other cities you're weighing.

See the full salary breakdown for San Francisco →

Compare San Francisco to similar cities

Cities with a similar cost of living

Matched on median rent and household income within 15% of San Francisco's.

Arlington, VA

Median rent $2,227/mo · Median income $137,387

Salary breakdown →

Highlands Ranch, CO

Median rent $2,353/mo · Median income $148,227

Salary breakdown →

Bellevue, WA

Median rent $2,422/mo · Median income $149,551

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Cambridge, MA

Median rent $2,628/mo · Median income $121,539

Salary breakdown →