salaryPhoenix is 12% 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
$1,893
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,729
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$87,717
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$420,700
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,850
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$181
$104
👥 People living there
1,642,323
830,235
Commute to work
25.6 min
30.4 min
College degree
33.6%
60.3%
Own their home
57.3%
38.2%
Below poverty line
13.7%
11.2%
Unemployment
5%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Phoenix for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Phoenix | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $186,610 | +85% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $113,700 | +84% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $101,860 | +72% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,590 | $123,250 | +65% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | $219,080 | +61% in San Francisco |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $212,500 | +57% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $85,050 | $132,000 | +55% in San Francisco |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $149,990 | +52% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Phoenix or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Phoenix is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,893 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Phoenix?
About $67,141 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Phoenix or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $87,717 in Phoenix and $152,036 in San Francisco, 42% more in San Francisco.