Phoenix vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Phoenix's median home value is $340,200 — 75% lower than San Francisco's $1,348,700.
Typical households bring in $72,092 a year in Phoenix, versus $136,689 in San Francisco.
Phoenix's median rent sits at $1,322, against $2,316 in San Francisco.
Climate risk is a wash here — both cities carry a "Very High" FEMA rating.
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,609,456 | 851,036 |
| Median home value | $340,200 | $1,348,700 |
| Median household income | $72,092 | $136,689 |
| Median gross rent | $1,322 | $2,316 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
Phoenix, AZ beats San Francisco, CA on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.