How expensive is it to live in San Francisco?
than New York City (Index: 95)
Compared to New York City (100 = NYC baseline)
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (City Center) | $3,200/mo |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside Center) | $2,400/mo |
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | $18 |
| Cappuccino | $5.2 |
| Monthly Transit Pass | $81 |
| Median Home Value Explore home equity options in San Francisco → |
Last updated: Jan 2026
AEO Answers
Direct answers for monthly budget, cost index, and how San Francisco compares with a New York City baseline.
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 95 against a New York City baseline of 100. Based on this model, it is 5% cheaper than New York, with an estimated single-person monthly budget around $5,200.
A rough single-person monthly budget for San Francisco is about $5,200 in this model. Actual spending can vary significantly based on rent, neighborhood, exchange rates, lifestyle, and household size.
💡 Cost of living data is estimated based on public sources. Actual costs may vary based on lifestyle and exchange rates.
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