Cost of Living: Dallas vs San Francisco (2026)

Dallas vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 12% more expensive than Dallas overall — $100,000 in Dallas is worth about $112,148 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 12% more expensive than Dallas overall — $100,000 in Dallas is worth about $112,148 in San Francisco.

Dallas vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricDallasSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)103116+12%
Median rent$1,403$2,419+72%
Median home value$295,300$1,380,500+367%
Median household income$67,760$141,446+109%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Dallas has the same buying power as about $112,148 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $89,168 in Dallas.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Dallas and San Francisco.

Compare any salary: Dallas vs San Francisco

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 116 vs 103 — a 12% difference. Your money goes further in Dallas.

About $112,148 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Dallas.