Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Among the most expensive cities in the country, with the highest housing costs in the US.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 178
Median 2BR rent: $4,200/mo
Housing: 218 vs 100
Groceries: 114 vs 100
Utilities: 98 vs 100
Transportation: 112 vs 100
Healthcare: 110 vs 100
San Francisco offers world-leading tech salaries and a one-of-a-kind setting, but housing costs are unmatched. High pay is often what makes the math work for residents here.