salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$2,498
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,339
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$88,371
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$921,200
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
113.6
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,050
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$151
$104
👥 People living there
3,857,263
830,235
Commute to work
30.7 min
30.4 min
College degree
38.5%
60.3%
Own their home
36%
38.2%
Below poverty line
16.5%
11.2%
Unemployment
8.2%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Los Angeles for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $82,990 | $123,250 | +49% in San Francisco |
| Registered Nurse | $135,560 | $186,610 | +38% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $161,470 | $219,080 | +36% in San Francisco |
| Electrician | $73,810 | $92,830 | +26% in San Francisco |
| Medical Assistant | $47,760 | $59,790 | +25% in San Francisco |
| Civil Engineer | $108,640 | $130,160 | +20% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $122,980 | $146,760 | +19% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $125,830 | $149,990 | +19% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Los Angeles or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles and San Francisco cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Los Angeles?
About $61,081 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Los Angeles or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $88,371 in Los Angeles and $152,036 in San Francisco, 42% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Los Angeles comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →