I’m moving from a smaller city and want to know if my salary will stretch.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco compare to the national average?
1 Answer
The cost of living index in San Francisco is 168, meaning expenses are 68% higher than the national average. Housing, dining, and transportation are the biggest contributors. With an average salary of $100,200 per year, you can budget roughly 40% of income for rent, which is about $4,475 per month, and the rest for utilities, groceries, and leisure. It’s wise to create a detailed budget and factor in higher taxes and insurance costs common in the Bay Area.
A starting point only — it may be incomplete or out of date. Check official sources for anything important, and add your own answer if you know San Francisco.
