San Francisco vs Salt Lake City: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Comparing home values: San Francisco sits at $1,348,700, 194% higher than Salt Lake City's $458,600.
Households earn a median $136,689 in San Francisco, compared with $72,357 in Salt Lake City.
San Francisco's median rent sits at $2,316, against $1,254 in Salt Lake City.
FEMA rates San Francisco's natural-hazard risk higher than Salt Lake City's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 851,036 | 201,269 |
| Median home value | $1,348,700 | $458,600 |
| Median household income | $136,689 | $72,357 |
| Median gross rent | $2,316 | $1,254 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
Salt Lake City, UT comes out ahead on housing affordability versus San Francisco, CA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.