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.
Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles versus $136,689 in San Francisco.
Typical rent runs $1,791 in Los Angeles and $2,316 in San Francisco.
| 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 |
On housing costs, Los Angeles, CA looks more affordable than San Francisco, CA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.