Do you ever wonder if you can manage San Francisco cost of living? If you’re planning to move here or come here to study, it’s crucial to be aware of the cost of living in San Francisco in advance. This foresight will help you avoid financial surprises that could disrupt your long-term plans. This blog comprehensively analyses the living expenses in San Francisco, California, from an objective perspective. It will give you a clear reference for the costs related to food, clothing, housing, transportation, entertainment, and more.
Is San Francisco Cost of Living Expensive?
Yes, the cost of living in San Francisco is shockingly high, ranking third in the United States. The Council for Community and Economic Research reports that San Francisco price of living is a staggering 169.9% above the national average. Therefore, meticulous budgeting is essential for anyone planning a move to San Francisco.
San Francisco Cost of Living: General Overview
As one of the most expensive cities in the United States, San Francisco’s soaring housing expenses are the primary catalyst. Other living expenses in San Francisco also tend to be higher than the national average. You can compare the cost of living in San Francisco CA to the average across the United States in the table below.
| Cost of Living | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco | USA |
| House for Sale | $1,429,827.00 | $489,802.00 |
| Apartment for Sale | $1,368,441.75 | $317,488.86 |
| 1B Apartment for Rent | $3,370.81 | $1,814.28 |
| Utilities | $417.93 | $336.26 |
| Meal(per purchase) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Groceries | $738.30 | $527.10 |
| Clothing & Shoes(per purchase) | $181.78 | $142.04 |
| Public Transportation | $156.00 | $150.00 |
| Sports | $112.18 | $48.08 |
| Cinema(per purchase) | $17.00 | $14.00 |
| Health Insurance | $486.00 | $477.00 |
| Preschool for Children | $2,953.33 | $1,385.64 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Housing Cost
For Non-Students
Housing is paramount when relocating to a city and constitutes a significant share of the cost of life in San Francisco.
San Francisco stands as the priciest city in the United States for homebuyers. The demand for housing in San Francisco has escalated due to the increase in the number of employees. When a city’s well-paid labor force competes for a limited supply of housing, the result is escalating housing costs, with the median home purchase price soaring to an astonishing $1,429,827. If you want to buy a 741-square-foot apartment, the price is $1,368,441.75.
For Students
Off-Campus Living: San Francisco Student Housing
Renting in San Francisco is also higher than the national average, significantly raising the cost of living in San Francisco CA for students. It may seem overwhelming for students, but living in this vibrant city is an attainable goal. Student housing in San Francisco presents a practical and affordable option specifically designed to meet students’ needs. These apartments offer various room types, catering to those looking to live alone and those willing to share.
uhomes.com offers student apartments near universities at an exceptional price of around $1,500 per month, making them ideal for students. In comparison, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is a staggering $3,370. If cost-saving is a priority, living with roommates can be a wise decision. It will significantly reducing life cost in San Francisco compared to living alone. Now, enter the name of your university in the search box on uhomes.com to explore a curated list of student apartments nearby. Use our filters to find your perfect place to call home.
On-Campus Living: University Halls
For first-year students in San Francisco, opting to live in a dormitory presents a valuable opportunity. While dormitories might come with higher prices, they offer you a unique chance to integrate more fully into the university community and immerse yourself in the academic environment. Below are the dormitory fees for various universities in San Francisco:
| University of San Francisco | |
|---|---|
| Room Type | Semester |
| Small Single Room | $7,480.00 |
| Large Single Room | $8,065.00 |
| Double Room | $6,040.00 |
| Small Double Room | $5,750.00 |
| Large Double Room | $6,400.00 |
| Triple Room | $4,825.00 |
| RA Room | $8,065.00 |
| San Francisco State University | |
|---|---|
| Room Type | Quarter |
| 1 BD | $3,850.00 |
| 2 BD | $3,360.00 |
| Triple Room | $2,940.00 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Utilities
Utility bills constitute a notable portion of the overall SF living cost in this costly city. Fortunately, the city’s temperate climate seldom necessitates air conditioning or central heating, thereby keeping electricity and gas costs relatively low.
Here is a comprehensive overview of utility bills in San Francisco:
| Utilities | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage | $258.60 |
| Mobile Phone | $54.20 |
| Internet | $62.85 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Meal & Groceries
As daily necessities, meals and groceries play a crucial role in determining the cost of living in San Francisco, California. San Franciscans tend to spend significantly more on food and drink compared to the rest of the United States. A simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $25, while a mid-range dining experience for two people typically costs $120. Additionally, some restaurants levy a “health surcharge,” averaging 4.45% of the total bill, which also factors into the cost of living in San Francisco CA.
For those who frequently cook at home, the average monthly grocery bill in San Francisco is approximately $738.30. Here are the retail prices for some of the items:
| Groceries | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| Milk (1 gallon) | $5.98 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $4.32 |
| Rice (1 lb) | $2.87 |
| Eggs (12) | $5.32 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $3.04 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.51 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Clothing & Shoes
When assessing the cost of living in San Francisco, California, expenditure on clothing and footwear is personal and can differ significantly from individual to individual. To provide a clearer perspective, here are the average prices for a dress, a pair of jeans, and a pair of shoes in San Francisco:
| Clothing & Shoes | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| 1 Pair of Jeans | $61.72 |
| 1 Summer Dress | $45.83 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | $105.60 |
| 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes | $135.12 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $3.04 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.51 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Transportation
For workers and students, the daily expense of commuting is a regular part of life and a considerable factor in the overall San Francisco Bay Area cost of living. San Francisco boasts various public transportation options that are ideal for students who do not own cars.
- Light Rail and Bus Lines: These services are managed citywide by the San Francisco Transportation Authority. A single journey fare is $2.50, while an unlimited monthly pass is $81.
- Subway: Subway services are provided by BART, with fares calculated based on the distance travelled. For instance, a one-way ticket from downtown Oakland to downtown San Francisco is $3.70.
- Caltrain: Fares vary between $3.20 and $14.45, based on the distance travelled. A monthly pass for the route between San Francisco and San Jose is $298.50.
- Uber or Lyft: A 5-mile ride to the town centre typically costs around $15; however, during peak hours, the fare can significantly increase.
- Car owners: You may spend between $1,341 and $1,588 annually on auto insurance and between $150 and $600 monthly for garage parking. Gas prices in San Francisco typically range from $2.80 to $4.30 per gallon.
San Francisco Cost of Living: Sports & Entertainment
The costs of entertainment and sports are significantly influenced by individual preferences and habits. It would help if you recorded these costs as part of your living cost of San Francisco on a case-by-case basis. In addition, whether it’s a movie ticket, a monthly gym membership, or a game of pool, the prices vary depending on the neighborhood you reside in. Below, we provide the average costs for entertainment and sports in San Francisco:
| Sports & Entertainment | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| Monthly Gym Membership | $96.21 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | $18.20 |
| A Movie Ticket | $16.50 |
| A Yoga class | $25.33 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Healthcare
Healthcare is a significant part of San Francisco living cost, second only to housing expenses. As one of the most expensive cities in the United States, San Francisco residents spend almost 50% more on healthcare than the national average.
| Healthcare | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance | $101.03 |
| Non-Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance | $486.00 |
| Doctor Visit | $176.15 |
| Dentist Visit | $155.59 |
| Optometrist Visit | $161.63 |
| Prescription Drug | $379.42 |
| Ibuprofen | $11.22 |
San Francisco Cost of Living: Childcare
For families with young children, childcare constitutes a significant portion of the living expenses in San Francisco. Among these expenses, preschool costs represent the most substantial burden. In San Francisco, the price of preschool is markedly higher than the national average, reaching an estimated $2,953.33.
San Francisco Cost of Living: Taxes
Taxes are often invisible in our daily lives. It’s essential to recognise their impact on San Francisco living costs.
| Taxes | |
|---|---|
| Item | San Francisco |
| Sales Tax | 8.63% |
| City Income Tax | 1.50% |
| State Income Tax(Lowest Income Earners) | 1% |
| State Income Tax(More Than $1 Million per Year Earners) | 13.30% |
| Property Tax | 1.18% |
Average Income in San Francisco
Learning the expected cost of living in SF Bay Area can be instrumental in assessing whether your salary aligns with living in this high-expense city. San Franciscans require substantial incomes to manage the elevated average living expenses. Fortunately, the city’s remuneration reflects this necessity.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Francisco’s employees earn 42% more than the national average. The median household income in San Francisco is $126,187, which is 50% higher than the California average. Moreover, the median personal income is $70,270, 71% higher than the state average.
Conclusion
San Francisco cost of living presents a multifaceted challenge. Housing costs remain a significant expenditure for students and non-students, demanding careful financial planning. Other aspects of cost of living in San Francisco Bay Area, including utilities, transportation, meals, groceries, sports, and entertainment, along with clothing and shoes, reflect the city’s unique vibrancy but come at a premium. Healthcare and childcare are crucial considerations that require foresight, particularly for families. Finally, while taxes in San Francisco are substantial, they are balanced by the potential for higher average incomes. Ultimately, living a good life here hinges on a thoughtful assessment of these diverse aspects of San Fran cost of living.
FAQ
Why is San Francisco so expensive?
San Francisco cost of living is so expensive primarily due to limited housing supply. The booming tech industry, led by Silicon Valley giants, has created an influx of high-paying job opportunities, driving a surge in housing demand. However, geographic constraints and strict zoning laws have hampered the availability of new housing. This imbalance has consequently caused housing prices and rents to skyrocket.
How much does it cost to live in San Francisco?
San Francisco cost of living is notably high. An individual can anticipate monthly expenses of around $4,683.04, with the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $3,798.00. However, students can reduce cost of living in San Francisco by booking student housing in San Francisco on uhomes.com, where one-bedroom apartments are available for approximately $1,500 per month, with even lower rates possible or greater savings through shared apartments.
what is the average rent in San Francisco?
Based on the latest statistics, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,500, while a two-bedroom apartment typically costs around $4,600 per month. Fortunately, we provide affordable apartments in San Francisco, conveniently located near colleges, universities, and the city centre, which average only $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
