Median rent is 21% lower in Washington ($1,954/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Washington, where the median home runs $737,100 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $109,870 a year). Taken together, Washington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.5 against 117.6 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Washington is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 109.5 in Washington vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
San Francisco, CA
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from San Francisco, CA?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$69,891
You could earn $5,109 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
San Francisco
California
Washington
District of Columbia
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Washington — median rent of $1,954/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $737,100 in Washington — 47% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Washington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Washington (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Washington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.5 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Washington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,954/mo median).
Is San Francisco cheaper than Washington?
Washington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.5 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Washington.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Washington?
Median rent is $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA and $1,954/mo in Washington, DC. Washington, DC has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — San Francisco or Washington?
Median household income is $140,970 in San Francisco, CA and $109,870 in Washington, DC. 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 — San Francisco or Washington?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my San Francisco income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in San Francisco, CA is equivalent to roughly $93,188 in Washington, DC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
