2026 city cost profile
Cost of Living in San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California has an overall cost of living index of 177.2, which is 77% above the national average.
Index
177.2
77% above the national average
Key stats
Index
177.2
National average = 100
Rent
$5,250
Estimated average monthly rent
Home price
$935,000
Estimated median home price
Income
$147,000
Estimated median household income
Category breakdown
Category indexes use 100 as the U.S. national average baseline.
| Category | City index | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 276 | 100 | +176.0% |
| Groceries | 137 | 100 | +37.0% |
| Transportation | 125 | 100 | +25.0% |
| Healthcare | 114 | 100 | +14.0% |
| Utilities | 112 | 100 | +12.0% |
| Miscellaneous | 132 | 100 | +32.0% |
Salary needed
Single adult
$150,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Family of four
$102,000
Estimated comfortable annual salary
Monthly budget examples
Single
$8,510
Couple
$14,470
Family
$21,280
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Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: Q1 2026
Data as of Q1 2026. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, HUD Fair Market Rents.
Cost of living indexes use the national average as baseline (100). Data is updated periodically.