Cost of living in San Francisco
San Francisco, CA, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and booming tech industry. Understanding the cost of living in this bustling city is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
The cost of living in San Francisco is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, dining, and groceries. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $18 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $80 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $7 to $12, cappuccino $3.5 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2.25 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.13 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.57.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.3 and $8.81, with an average price of $5.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.99 to $7, averaging $5.52.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $13.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $4, with a monthly pass priced between $81 and $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $2.02 to $2.17 per km and $39 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $4000, averaging $3196.72.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2400 to $3300, averaging $2788.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $5000 to $7000, averaging $5630.58.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3900 to $5200, averaging $4584.21.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $9687.52 to $13454.89, averaging $11342.47.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $7406 to $19375.04, averaging $10618.05.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $425, averaging $246.92.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $66.5.
Cost of Living Rankings
San Francisco ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
San Francisco is known for its high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are significantly higher in the city centre compared to the outskirts.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport offering a cost-effective option for commuting. However, owning a car can be expensive due to high fuel prices.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce and dairy being relatively expensive. Dining out can also be costly, especially in mid-range and upscale restaurants.
Conclusion
Living in San Francisco requires careful financial planning due to its high cost of living. Housing and dining are the most significant expenses, but there are ways to manage costs, such as using public transportation and shopping wisely for groceries.
Despite the expenses, San Francisco offers a vibrant lifestyle with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable place for many.