Median rent is 26% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $2,419/mo). Buying is cheaper in New York, where the median home runs $751,700 versus $1,380,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($141,446 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, New York is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.0 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
New York is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.0 in New York vs 118.0 in San Francisco (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$78,330
You'd need $3,330 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
New York
New York
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 New York — median rent of $1,779/mo versus $2,419/mo in San Francisco, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,380,500 versus $751,700 in New York — 46% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 13.30% in California, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 7.25% in California; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
San Francisco
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick New York if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 113.0 vs 118.0).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,446/yr).
Pick New York if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick New York if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is New York cheaper than San Francisco?
New York is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.0 versus 118.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in New York.
How much is rent in New York vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $2,419/mo in San Francisco, CA. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or San Francisco?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY 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 — New York or San Francisco?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and California's is 13.30%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $104,439 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