Cost of Living in
San Francisco

• Housing is 107% more expensive than the US average. The average home price in San Francisco, CA, is $1,100,739.82, compared to the national median of $510,000. In cities like Austin or Raleigh, this amount gets you a full-sized house with a yard. In San Francisco, it gets you a two-bedroom Victorian with dated plumbing and a sliver of shared backyard. If you're looking to buy a new house in San Francisco, prepare to put down 20% (around $265,000) just for the down payment. Monthly mortgage payments here are 155% higher than in most US cities.
  
  Average rent in San Francisco is 93% higher than the national median of $1,530. A one-bedroom home in San Francisco costs around $3,080 per month, while a two-bedroom hovers near $4,150. Even at that price, don’t count on parking, air conditioning, or in-unit laundry. Most renters live in older pre-war buildings or high-rise homes in the Mission, SoMa, or Inner Richmond. If you want more space or modern amenities, you’ll likely need to move further out—Oakland or Daly City are common alternatives.
• The average cost of utilities in San Francisco is 30% above the national average. Basic electricity, gas, and water bills add up to about $4.33 monthly, with internet tacking on another $192.02. Moreover, if you own a condo, expect HOA fees between $500 and $750 per month. While hurricane coverage isn't a concern, earthquake insurance is. Depending on your home and location, that adds another $1,800 to $2,500 a year, which is non-negotiable if your property sits on a landfill or major fault line.
• Food prices in San Francisco are 13% higher than the US average. A gallon of milk costs $5.22, and a dozen eggs can cost up to $4.82. Grocery bills for a family of four typically fall between $1,500 and $1,900 per month. For a single adult, you're looking at $500 to $700, depending on your diet and shopping habits. Organic produce, local bakeries, and higher delivery fees all inflate costs. And yes, a loaf of sourdough from Tartine will set you back nearly $7—but you'll probably still wait in line for it.
• Transportation costs are 13.46% above the US average. Gas prices sit near $4.33 per gallon, and car insurance costs about $235 per month—52 bucks more than the national average. Owning a car also means budgeting for monthly parking costs, often $250 or more in neighborhoods like the Marina or Hayes Valley. On the flip side, San Francisco has robust public transit. A Muni monthly pass costs $86, and BART fares to East Bay suburbs range from $4 to $8 one-way. For many, living near a transit stop isn't a perk—it's a necessity.
• Healthcare costs in San Francisco are 8.22% higher than the national average. A routine check-up costs about $140, compared to $110 in Miami or $120 in New York City. If you break your wrist biking through the Presidio, an ER visit could run up to $4,000 or more without insurance. Dental cleanings are about $140.31, and specialist visits routinely exceed $300. Access to UCSF and Stanford Medicine means top-tier care is available—but it doesn't come cheap.
• Miscellaneous expenses are 13.51% higher than the national average. Gym memberships average $150 a month, with boutique classes in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights charging even more. Childcare is steep—daycare ranges from $2,400 to $3,000 per month, while private preschool tuition can reach $22,000 a year. A casual date night in the Mission can cost $120, and a family outing to the Exploratorium or Academy of Sciences is around $130.

Moving to San Francisco? Get ready for sky-high costs. The views are free, but make sure your paycheck can keep up with everything else!👉 Next Step: Compare single-family homes in San Francisco, California