Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Los Angeles's median home value is $822,600 — 39% lower than San Francisco's $1,348,700.
Los Angeles's median household income runs $76,244, against $136,689 in San Francisco.
Los Angeles's median rent sits at $1,791, against $2,316 in San Francisco.
FEMA rates both cities' overall hazard risk as "Very High."
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,881,041 | 851,036 |
| Median home value | $822,600 | $1,348,700 |
| Median household income | $76,244 | $136,689 |
| Median gross rent | $1,791 | $2,316 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
San Francisco, CA runs higher than Los Angeles, CA on both median home value and rent — a clear housing-cost edge for Los Angeles, CA, though only on housing.
Moving between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Los Angeles and San Francisco are 364 miles apart in a straight line.
| What changes when you move | Los Angeles → San Francisco | San Francisco → Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | +$525/mo (+29%) | −$525/mo (−23%) |
| Median home value | +$526,100 (+64%) | −$526,100 (−39%) |
| Median household income | +$60,445 (+79%) | −$60,445 (−44%) |
Estimated moving cost (either direction)
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $795 – $1,237 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,155 – $3,316 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,841 – $5,889 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA
419 miles estimated driving distance · 7 hours of highway driving
DIY Truck Rental
$544 – $693
Includes an estimated $147 in fuel (42 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.
Professional Movers
$2,602 – $4,533
Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.
Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.