salaryNew York is 3% cheaperBased 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
$2,806
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,016
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$86,801
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$777,600
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
112.6
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,547
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$132
$104
👥 People living there
8,483,844
830,235
Commute to work
40.3 min
30.4 min
College degree
41.6%
60.3%
Own their home
32.8%
38.2%
Below poverty line
17.9%
11.2%
Unemployment
8%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick New York 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 | New York | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $119,720 | $186,610 | +56% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $163,340 | $219,080 | +34% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $109,720 | $146,760 | +34% in San Francisco |
| Pharmacist | $141,320 | $177,410 | +26% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $105,540 | $132,000 | +25% in San Francisco |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $75,910 | $94,310 | +24% in San Francisco |
| Medical Assistant | $48,370 | $59,790 | +24% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $100,520 | $123,250 | +23% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is New York or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
New York is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,806 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in New York?
About $61,626 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, New York or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $86,801 in New York and $152,036 in San Francisco, 43% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All New York comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →