Median rent is 22% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $2,419/mo). Buying is cheaper in Los Angeles, where the median home runs $879,500 versus $1,380,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($141,446 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Los Angeles is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.3 against 118.0 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Quick verdict
Los Angeles is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.3 in Los Angeles vs 118.0 in San Francisco (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$78,108
You'd need $3,108 more (4% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
San Francisco
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Los Angeles — median rent of $1,879/mo versus $2,419/mo in San Francisco, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,380,500 versus $879,500 in Los Angeles — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 13.30% in California, so San Francisco is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 7.25% in California; San Francisco has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
San Francisco
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 113.3 vs 118.0).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,446/yr).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,879/mo median).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than San Francisco?
Los Angeles is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.3 versus 118.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Los Angeles.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $2,419/mo in San Francisco, CA. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $141,446 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or San Francisco?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and California's is 13.30%. San Francisco, CA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $104,144 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology