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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Francisco, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.8% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
18.0% 18.0% more expensive housing
4.5% 4.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.0% more
Los Angeles
178
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries 4.5% more
Los Angeles
110
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation 2.4% more
Los Angeles
125
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 5.4% more
Los Angeles
112
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Los Angeles
105
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1361488.8% more
Housing17821018.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$3,00020.0% more
Median Home Price$880,000$1,250,00042.0% more
Groceries1101154.5% more
Transportation1251282.4% more
Healthcare1121185.4% more
Utilities1051082.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Francisco outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Francisco to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and San Francisco → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Francisco →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
Los Angeles is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 18.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or San Francisco?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $130,000 in San Francisco. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $370,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while California averages 0.71%.