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Cost of Living in San Francisco County, CA

Population 830,235 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$2,476
Median home value$1,394,500
Median household income$140,970

The median rent in San Francisco County, CA is $2,476/month, 22% higher than the California median and 75% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,394,500, 319% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $140,970 a year, 42% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 21.1%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $99,040/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 9.9×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $7,051/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

San Francisco County vs. California vs. U.S.

San Francisco CountyCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$2,476$2,036$1,413
Median home value$1,394,500$734,700$332,700
Median household income$140,970$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate38.2%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher60.3%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate11.2%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate6.1%6.6%5.2%
Work from home31.0%17.2%15.1%
Median age40.037.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in San Francisco County, CA?

The median gross rent in San Francisco County, CA is $2,476 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in San Francisco County, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $99,040 a year in gross income.

Is San Francisco County, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 75% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 9.9 times the median household income.

Other counties in California

Los Angeles County, CARent $1,954 · Income $90,112San Diego County, CARent $2,246 · Income $106,268Orange County, CARent $2,434 · Income $116,289Riverside County, CARent $1,901 · Income $93,074San Bernardino County, CARent $1,801 · Income $85,478Santa Clara County, CARent $2,857 · Income $164,281

Counties with a similar cost of living

Arlington County, VARent $2,322 · Income $142,114Nantucket County, MARent $2,213 · Income $139,688Nassau County, NYRent $2,252 · Income $146,202Falls Church city, VARent $2,190 · Income $143,262Fairfax city, VARent $2,245 · Income $132,348Suffolk County, NYRent $2,255 · Income $130,686

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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