Indexed to national average (100)
See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in San Francisco.
About San Francisco
San Francisco is the epicenter of the global tech industry with the highest median incomes in the US. However, housing costs have reached crisis levels, making it one of the most expensive cities worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco expensive?
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 115.6, where 100 represents the national average. This makes San Francisco more expensive than most US cities.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Francisco?
Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $99,040 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in San Francisco and maintain basic expenses.
What is the median rent in San Francisco?
The median 2-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $2,476 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.