Cost of Living in San Francisco

San Francisco has an overall cost-of-living index of 179.5 (national average = 100). This is higher than the California statewide average of 143.1. Median home prices are $1.4M and average 2BR rent is $3,600/month.

Yes, San Francisco is more expensive than the national average with an index of 179.5. Housing is the biggest factor at 340% of the national average.

Average 2-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,600/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the California statewide average of $2,792/month.

Groceries in San Francisco have an index of 112.5 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $461 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $5.57.

Center-based infant childcare in San Francisco averages $27,000/year ($2,250/month). This is significantly higher than the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

San Francisco's housing index is 340 vs the California statewide average of 199.4. Median home prices are $1.4M in San Francisco vs $785,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $3,600/month vs $2,792/month statewide.

San Francisco's transportation cost index is 140 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $5.45/gallon. Transportation costs are significantly above the national average — factor in gas, insurance, and maintenance.

San Francisco's utility cost index is 140.5 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $240, compared to the national average of $137/month and the California statewide average of $240/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $134,625 in San Francisco. You'll need a higher income to maintain the same standard of living.

Based on San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 179.5, a single adult needs approximately $89,750–$99,750/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by San Francisco's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.