San Francisco, California has an overall cost of living index of 118.0, which is 18.0 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $2,419 per month, while the typical home is valued around $1,380,500. Households earn a median of $141,446 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$141,446
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$2,419
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$1,380,500
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
118.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,485
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,977
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$3,604
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$4,604
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
118.0
Goods
114.4
Rents / Housing
206.3
Services
170.4
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $181,220 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $174,370 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $103,520 |
| ⚡Electrician | $102,230 |
| 📊Accountant | $117,930 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
836,321
Latest estimate
Median Age
39.7 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for San Francisco?
San Francisco has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 118.0. The US national average is 100, so San Francisco is 18.0 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in San Francisco?
The median gross rent in San Francisco is $2,419 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in San Francisco?
The median household income in San Francisco is $141,446 per year.
What is the median home value in San Francisco?
The median home value in San Francisco is $1,380,500 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in San Francisco?
Air quality data for San Francisco is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in San Francisco?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology