San Francisco vs Seattle: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
San Francisco's median home value is $1,348,700 — 53% higher than Seattle's $879,900.
Median household income is $136,689 in San Francisco versus $116,068 in Seattle.
Typical rent runs $2,316 in San Francisco and $1,945 in Seattle.
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 851,036 | 734,603 |
| Median home value | $1,348,700 | $879,900 |
| Median household income | $136,689 | $116,068 |
| Median gross rent | $2,316 | $1,945 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Very High |
On housing costs, Seattle, WA 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.