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Cost of Living: New York, NY 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.

2.1% San Francisco, CA is more expensive overall
7.7% 7.7% more expensive housing
0.9% 0.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.7% more
New York
195
San Francisco
210
🛒 Groceries ~Same
New York
116
San Francisco
115
🚗 Transportation ~Same
New York
130
San Francisco
128
🏥 Healthcare 2.6% more
New York
115
San Francisco
118
⚡ Utilities 3.6% cheaper
New York
112
San Francisco
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category New York, NY San Francisco, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1451482.1% more
Housing1952107.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$3,200$3,0006.2% less
Median Home Price$750,000$1,250,00066.7% more
Groceries116115~Same
Transportation130128~Same
Healthcare1151182.6% more
Utilities1121083.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type New York, NY San Francisco, CA
State Income Tax10.90% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.40%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

New York, NY
$115,000
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 New York lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: New York (145) vs San Francisco (148). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
New York5.1%
San Francisco3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
New York2.8%
San Francisco3.2%
Top Industries
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
New York41 min
San Francisco34 min
Walk Score
New York89
San Francisco87
Air Quality (AQI)
New York48
San Francisco42
Avg Temperature
New York55°F
San Francisco57°F
Population
New York8,258,035
San Francisco808,437

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in New York 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 New York or San Francisco cheaper to live in?+
New York is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in New York vs San Francisco?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,200/month in New York and $3,000/month in San Francisco — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, New York or San Francisco?+
New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 New York to San Francisco?+
Median household income in New York is $115,000 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 New York vs San Francisco?+
The median home price in New York is $750,000 versus $1,250,000 in San Francisco — a difference of $500,000. Property tax rates also differ: New York averages 1.40% while California averages 0.71%.