Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in San Francisco

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

← Back to San Francisco Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$146,050
$2,541/mo

Median in area: $2,541

$1,426,979

Median in area: $1,426,979

$285,396

If you Rent

🔑
$2,693 /mo
Base Rent$2,541
Est. Utilities$152
% of Income22.1%
Pre-tax Residual$9,478

If you Buy

🏠
$8,232 /mo
P&I (6.557%)$7,258
Taxes & Ins$822
Est. Utilities$152
% of Income67.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,938

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in San Francisco. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,693, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $8,232 per month (a difference of $5,539).

How much do utilities cost in San Francisco?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in San Francisco is approximately $152. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in San Francisco without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $107,720 per year.