Cost of Living in San Francisco, California, United States

Are you considering a move to San Francisco, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? San Francisco, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in San Francisco, California and help you understand whether $6237 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $7652.46.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
San Francisco, California, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

25.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

120.0 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

12.5 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

8.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

9.0 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.66 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.95 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.45 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.78 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

6.01 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

8.21 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

6.38 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

25.96 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

19.33 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

22.3 $

Apples (1 lb)

7.58 $

Banana (1 lb)

3.67 $

Oranges (1 lb)

6.23 $

Tomato (1 lb)

8.39 $

Potato (1 lb)

5.04 $

Onion (1 lb)

4.37 $

Lettuce (1 head)

3.44 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.61 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

18.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

2.94 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.43 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

15.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.0 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

98.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

5.0 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.95 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

60.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.46 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

36000.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

30293.75 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

293.61 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

76.5 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

121.89 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

29.28 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

18.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2816.67 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

43187.5 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

77.23 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

64.19 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

124.35 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

173.07 $

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Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

3363.24 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

2809.09 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

6426.88 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

5354.76 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

14490.02 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

13501.31 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

7652.46 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.92 %

Cost of Living in San Francisco, California, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in San Francisco, California?

The monthly expenses for living in San Francisco, California come to a total of approximately $6237. This includes an average monthly rent of around $3363 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $331 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1596 per month.

How affordable is living in San Francisco, California?

Living in San Francisco, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $7652.46. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in San Francisco, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $7652.46.

What is the average salary in San Francisco, California?

In San Francisco, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $7652.46, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in San Francisco, California?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of San Francisco, California is approximately $3363. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2809.09 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in San Francisco, California?

The expense for groceries in San Francisco, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1245 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

San Francisco, California, United States

How Safe Is San Francisco, California, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in San Francisco, California, United States

OVERALL RISK: LOW

San Francisco is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it's sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people and junkies on the streets may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

San Francisco has safe and convenient public transport, though you shouldn't let your guard down. Be extremely vigilant while on public transport and don't linger around the bus, railway and metro stations.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets and purse snatching can be an issue along Fisherman’s Wharf, the F-Market Streetcar line, on public transport and in crowded places. It is wise to watch your belongings while on public transport or in crowded places.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Occasional natural threats exist in the form of earthquakes that have been known to happen in California. They aren't that common, though. The last major one was in 1994.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to mugging, you're not in danger in San Francisco, as long as you stay away from the dangerous parts of the city. Violent street crime is not a common occurrence here.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Excluding isolated shootings, San Francisco hasn't been the target of any terrorist attacks recently, but the attacks shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Just like in other tourist destinations, there will be people trying to scam you in San Francisco, too. Homeless people can turn aggressive if you refuse to give them money. Be wary of anyone trying to distract you, flashing large signs in front of you or ATMs that look like they've been tampered with.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

San Francisco is very safe for female solo travelers. Following basic precaution measures should completely minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

The US is famous for its harsh policy for acquiring a tourist, let alone a resident visa. The US embassies usually ask for interviews before granting tourist visas, and tourists usually have to pay up to 160 USD to get a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

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Currency

The United States dollar is the official currency in San Francisco. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and ATMs are widely available. The prices vary but you can plan on spending about 100 dollars per day.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

San Francisco has a mild climate characterized by cool, wet winters and dry summers. The nights can become chilly so locals usually carry around a light jacket because the temperatures are known to drop or rise significantly within an hour.

flight_takeoff

Airports

San Francisco International Airport is an international airport serving San Francisco. It is located 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, California, United States,

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to San Francisco, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

San Francisco, California, United States

What about weather in San Francisco, California, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 57°F 60°F 63°F 65°F 67°F 69°F 70°F 70°F 72°F 70°F 63°F 57°F
Temp 51°F 54°F 56°F 57°F 59°F 61°F 62°F 62°F 63°F 62°F 57°F 51°F
Low 46°F 49°F 51°F 53°F 54°F 55°F 56°F 57°F 58°F 56°F 52°F 47°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 13°C 15°C 17°C 18°C 19°C 20°C 21°C 21°C 22°C 21°C 17°C 13°C
Temp 10°C 12°C 13°C 13°C 15°C 16°C 16°C 16°C 17°C 16°C 13°C 10°C
Low 7°C 9°C 10°C 11°C 12°C 12°C 13°C 13°C 14°C 13°C 11°C 8°C

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