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San Francisco, CA Relocation Guide (2026)

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

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, California is home to roughly 851,036 residents. The typical household earns $136,689 per year — above the median across cities we track (+90%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $1,348,700 (above the multi-city median at +313%), while renters pay a median of $2,316 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

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.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for San Francisco.

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.

Moving to San Francisco

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA?
In San Francisco, the median home value is $1,348,700 and median rent is $2,316 per month, against a median household income of $136,689. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in San Francisco?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $2,316/month, that implies an income of about $92,640 to keep housing affordable in San Francisco.
Is it better to rent or buy in San Francisco?
With a median home value of $1,348,700 and median rent of $2,316/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in San Francisco depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare San Francisco to similar cities