Cost of Living: New York vs San Francisco (2026)

New York vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 3% more expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $102,710 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 3% more expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $102,710 in San Francisco.

New York vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricNew YorkSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)113116+3%
Median rent$1,779$2,419+36%
Median home value$751,700$1,380,500+84%
Median household income$79,713$141,446+77%

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 New York has the same buying power as about $102,710 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $97,362 in New York.

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

Compare any salary: New York 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 113 — a 3% difference. Your money goes further in New York.

About $102,710 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York.