House Affordability in San Francisco
Median home price: $1.35M · Property tax: 0.73% · Insurance: $1,800/yr
You can afford a home up to
$163,875
Below entry-level in San Francisco
Based on your $75,000 income with 20% down
Your $163,875 budget buys
Monthly payment breakdown
$1,750/mo
Home price
$163,875
Down payment
$32,775
Loan amount
$131,100
No PMI
Waived (20%+ down)
Estimates based on the 28/36 DTI guideline with San Francisco-specific property tax and insurance rates. Actual mortgage approval depends on credit score, employment history, and lender criteria.
San Francisco Housing Market Overview
San Francisco has some of the highest home prices in the U.S., driven by limited housing supply and proximity to Silicon Valley tech employers.
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,350,000, which is 228% above the national median of $412,000. Property taxes average 0.73% of assessed value, adding $821/month to housing costs.
Homeowners insurance averages $1,800/year ($150/month). Condos and townhomes typically carry HOA fees around $650/month.
What can you buy in San Francisco?
Typical price ranges by property type in San Francisco, CA (2024/2025 estimates).
| Property type | Price range | Down payment (20%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio in SoMa/Tenderloin | $400K – $600K | $80K – $120K |
| 1-bed condo in Sunset/Richmond | $550K – $850K | $110K – $170K |
| 2-bed condo in Noe Valley/Mission | $800K – $1.20M | $160K – $240K |
| 3-bed home in Outer Sunset/Excelsior | $1.20M – $1.80M | $240K – $360K |
| 4-bed home in Pacific Heights/Noe Valley | $1.80M – $3.00M | $360K – $600K |
Sources: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com (2024/2025 estimates). Prices vary by neighborhood.
Income needed to buy in San Francisco
Minimum annual income to afford each property type at 28% DTI, 20% down, 6.75% rate.
| Property type | Midpoint price | Income needed |
|---|---|---|
| Studio in SoMa/Tenderloin | $500K | $130,653/yr |
| 1-bed condo in Sunset/Richmond | $700K | $180,342/yr |
| 2-bed condo in Noe Valley/Mission | $1.00M | $254,876/yr |
| 3-bed home in Outer Sunset/Excelsior | $1.50M | $379,100/yr |
| 4-bed home in Pacific Heights/Noe Valley | $2.40M | $602,704/yr |
Green = achievable at San Francisco's median household income of $136,000.
Cost of living context
The median household income in San Francisco is $136,000, which is 81% above the national median of $75,000.
At the median income, a household can afford roughly $522K using the 28% DTI rule — which falls short of the $1.35M median. Many buyers need dual incomes, a larger down payment, or lower price points.
FAQ
Can I afford a house in San Francisco on a $100,000 salary?
At $100K with 20% down and 6.75% interest, you can afford roughly $377K in San Francisco using the 28% DTI rule. The median home price is $1.35M, so you may need to look at lower price points or increase your down payment.
What income do I need to buy a house in San Francisco?
To afford the median price of $1.35M with 20% down at 6.75%, you need approximately $341,833/year (28% DTI). The median household income in San Francisco is $136,000, which is below what is needed.
What are property taxes like in San Francisco?
The average property tax rate is 0.73%, or $9,855/year on a median-priced home. This is below the national average of 1.2%.
What does a 2-bed condo in noe valley/mission cost in San Francisco?
A typical 2-bed condo in noe valley/mission costs between $800K and $1.20M, with the midpoint around $1.00M.
Is San Francisco affordable compared to other cities?
San Francisco's median price of $1.35M is 228% above the national median of $412K. Median household income is $136,000, 81% above the national median.
Other cities
- Los Angeles, CA — median $950K
- New York City, NY — median $780K
- Chicago, IL — median $340K
- Miami, FL — median $590K
Related tools
- California House Affordability — statewide data
- California Paycheck Calculator — calculate your take-home pay
- House Affordability Calculator — compare all cities
- Compare Job Offers — factor in housing costs