Cost of Living: Houston vs San Francisco (2026)

Houston vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 17% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $117,220 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 17% more expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $117,220 in San Francisco.

Houston vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricHoustonSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)99116+17%
Median rent$1,313$2,419+84%
Median home value$253,400$1,380,500+445%
Median household income$62,894$141,446+125%

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 Houston has the same buying power as about $117,220 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $85,310 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston 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 99 — a 17% difference. Your money goes further in Houston.

About $117,220 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.