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Cost of Living in San Francisco County

Is it better to rent or buy in San Francisco County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$150,005
$2,604/mo

Median in area: $2,604

$1,422,813

Median in area: $1,422,813

$284,563

If you Rent

🔑
$2,764 /mo
Base Rent$2,604
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income22.1%
Pre-tax Residual$9,736

If you Buy

🏠
$8,361 /mo
P&I (6.754%)$7,386
Taxes & Ins$815
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income66.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,140

Compare Nearby Areas

See how San Francisco County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyContra Costa County, CA
$2,587/mo
countyAlameda County, CA
$2,560/mo
countySan Mateo County, CA
$2,980/mo
countyMarin County, CA
$2,853/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in San Francisco County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in San Francisco County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,764, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $8,361 per month (a difference of $5,597).

How much do utilities cost in San Francisco County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in San Francisco County is approximately $160. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in San Francisco County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in San Francisco County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $110,560 per year.