North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in San-Francisco
The average cost of living in San-Francisco, United States is $3,472 per month for a single person, and $7,562 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $3,488 per month. The local average net salary is $7,294 per month.
Moderate cost
Updated today
Index 78.9 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $3,472 / month
- Family of 4
- $7,562 / mo
- Student
- $1,999 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in San-Francisco
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$7,294.17 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for San-Francisco | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in San-Francisco | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in San-Francisco | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Francisco | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in San-Francisco | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in San-Francisco | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in San-Francisco | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Francisco | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in San-Francisco | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in San-Francisco | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| San-Francisco FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in San-Francisco. |
Rent & Property Prices in San-Francisco
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $3,488 | $2,592 – $4,140 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,689 | $2,200 – $3,400 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $5,848 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $4,695 | $4,000 – $5,500 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $10,794 | $8,641 – $12,917 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $9,527 | $7,018 – $19,375 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $3,488$2,592 – $4,140
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,689$2,200 – $3,400
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $5,848$4,500 – $7,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $4,695$4,000 – $5,500
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $10,794$8,641 – $12,917
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $9,527$7,018 – $19,375
Grocery Prices in San-Francisco
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.66 | $1.05 – $2.64 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $5.31 | $3.30 – $11 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $6.18 | $2.87 – $13 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $6.70 | $3.50 – $10 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $24 | $11 – $44 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $15 | $6.61 – $26 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $23 | $15 – $33 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6.89 | $4.14 – $8.82 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $2.78 | $1.76 – $6.61 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.79 | $3.28 – $11 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $7.67 | $3.00 – $13 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $3.45 | $2.16 – $6.59 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $4.18 | $2.40 – $6.61 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $3.12 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $3.00 | $1.75 – $4.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $17 | $10 – $35 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $3.09 | $1.43 – $4.29 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.73 | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $14 | $12 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.66$1.05 – $2.64
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $5.31$3.30 – $11
- White Rice (1 kg) $6.18$2.87 – $13
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $6.70$3.50 – $10
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $24$11 – $44
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $15$6.61 – $26
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $23$15 – $33
- Apples (1 kg) $6.89$4.14 – $8.82
- Bananas (1 kg) $2.78$1.76 – $6.61
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.79$3.28 – $11
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $7.67$3.00 – $13
- Potatoes (1 kg) $3.45$2.16 – $6.59
- Onions (1 kg) $4.18$2.40 – $6.61
- Lettuce (1 Head) $3.12$2.00 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $3.00$1.75 – $4.00
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $17$10 – $35
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $3.09$1.43 – $4.29
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.73$1.50 – $5.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $14$12 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in San-Francisco
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3.00 | $2.70 – $3.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $89 | $80 – $102 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $4.15 | $4.15 – $4.15 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.03 | $2.02 – $2.49 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $39 | $39 – $39 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.34 | $1.19 – $1.60 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $36,998 | $35,000 – $37,650 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,898 | $25,634 – $26,030 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $3.00$2.70 – $3.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $89$80 – $102
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $4.15$4.15 – $4.15
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.03$2.02 – $2.49
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $39$39 – $39
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.34$1.19 – $1.60
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $36,998$35,000 – $37,650
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,898$25,634 – $26,030
Utility & Internet Costs in San-Francisco
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $215 | $130 – $416 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $68 | $35 – $120 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $74 | $45 – $105 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $215$130 – $416
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $68$35 – $120
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $74$45 – $105
Childcare & Preschool in San-Francisco
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $3,018 | $2,362 – $3,763 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $42,000 | $42,000 – $45,000 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $3,018$2,362 – $3,763
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $42,000$42,000 – $45,000
Clothing Prices in San-Francisco
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $78 | $42 – $100 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $50 | $35 – $70 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $105 | $65 – $150 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $128 | $100 – $200 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $78$42 – $100
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $50$35 – $70
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $105$65 – $150
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $128$100 – $200
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in San-Francisco
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $132 | $40 – $250 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $23 | $5.00 – $28 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $18 | $15 – $21 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $132$40 – $250
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $23$5.00 – $28
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $18$15 – $21
Restaurant Prices in San-Francisco
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $27 | $18 – $45 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $140 | $80 – $200 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $15 | $11 – $18 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.00 | $6.00 – $12 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $9.00 | $7.00 – $11 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.78 | $3.72 – $7.00 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.25 | $2.72 – $4.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.97 | $2.00 – $4.00 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $27$18 – $45
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $140$80 – $200
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $15$11 – $18
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $8.00$6.00 – $12
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $9.00$7.00 – $11
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.78$3.72 – $7.00
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.25$2.72 – $4.00
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.97$2.00 – $4.00
Salaries & Mortgages in San-Francisco
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $7,294 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.57% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $7,294
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.57%
Compare San-Francisco with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
San-Diego
Monthly / 1 person
$3,480
vs NYC
79.1/100
United States
San-Jose
Monthly / 1 person
$3,533
vs NYC
80.3/100
United States
Los-Angeles
Monthly / 1 person
$3,410
vs NYC
77.5/100
United States
Boston
Monthly / 1 person
$3,397
vs NYC
77.2/100
United States
Irvine
Monthly / 1 person
$3,183
vs NYC
72.3/100
United States
New-York
Monthly / 1 person
$3,777
vs NYC
85.8/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in San-Francisco?
- An estimated $3,472 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in San-Francisco. A family of four needs around $7,562 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,999.
- How much money do I need to live in San-Francisco?
- Plan for at least $3,472 per month as a single person, $7,562 per month for a family of four, or $1,999 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to San-Francisco.
- What is the average rent in San-Francisco?
- A one-bedroom apartment in San-Francisco rents for around $3,488 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $5,848 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in San-Francisco?
- The average monthly net salary in San-Francisco is around $7,294. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 48% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in San-Francisco?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in San-Francisco costs around $27. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $132 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.66/L) and bread ($5.31/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in San-Francisco?
- A monthly public transport pass in San-Francisco costs around $89. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in San-Francisco?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in San-Francisco costs around $74 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.