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Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Washington, DC

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

12.2% Washington, DC is cheaper overall
22.9% 22.9% cheaper housing
6.1% 6.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.9% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 6.1% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 4.7% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities 2.8% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index14813012.2% less
Housing21016222.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$2,20026.7% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$620,00050.4% less
Groceries1151086.1% less
Transportation1281224.7% less
Healthcare1181106.8% less
Utilities1081052.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, CA Washington, DC
State Income Tax13.30% (top)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Washington costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Washington42
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Washington57°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Washington689,545

Moving from San Francisco to Washington?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Washington is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $800 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco or Washington?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 San Francisco to Washington?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 San Francisco vs Washington?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $630,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.