Cost of Living in San Francisco County, California

$2,419/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$1,380,500

Median Home Value

50% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$2,419/mo

50% above state average

Median Home Value

$1,380,500

390% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

24.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How San Francisco County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

San Francisco County$2,419/mo

California Average$1,618/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$2,419/mo

Median Gross Rent

$1,380,500

Median Home Value

$3,200/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

24.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in San Francisco County, California

San Francisco incomes outpace its steep rents

San Francisco County's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio remains the lowest among examined counties and beats the national average of 22.4%, a remarkable achievement given its extreme housing costs. Median household income of $141,446—nearly double the national average of $74,755—creates this apparent paradox.

San Francisco: high income shields affordability math

San Francisco's 20.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks best among California counties examined, though this reflects exceptional incomes rather than affordable housing. The $2,419 median rent is California's highest, offset only by San Francisco's unmatched earning power.

San Francisco rents outpace all examined counties

San Francisco's $2,419 median rent is $265 higher than San Diego ($2,154) and $500 above Riverside ($1,814), the largest gap among any county pair examined. Yet San Francisco's median home value of $1,380,500 dwarfs all peers, reflecting unique Bay Area pricing.

Highest income masks highest absolute costs

San Francisco renters pay $2,419 monthly while homeowners face $3,200—a $781 gap revealing the county's split rental and ownership markets. The extraordinary median income of $141,446 means housing consumes just 20.5% of earnings, the only county where extreme costs feel proportionate.

San Francisco: for six-figure earners only

San Francisco offers the state's best affordability ratio (20.5%) but requires exceptional incomes ($141K median) to sustain $2,419 rents and $1.38M homes. High-earning tech professionals and finance workers thrive here; mid-income families should explore Sacramento, San Joaquin, or Riverside instead.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in San Francisco County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$3,300

per month

Owner Cost Burden

27.1%

of gross income

The median home in San Francisco County may be a stretch

Median home value is $1,380,500. Estimated monthly cost: $11,021 vs. your max of $3,300.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

San Francisco County, California has a median monthly rent of $2,419/mo and a median home value of $1,380,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in San Francisco County?

The median gross rent in San Francisco County is $2,419/mo. This is 50% above state average for California.

Is San Francisco County affordable?

San Francisco County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does San Francisco County's rent compare to the state average?

San Francisco County's median rent of $2,419/mo is 50% above state average of $1,618/mo for California.

What is the median home value in San Francisco County?

The median home value in San Francisco County, California is $1,380,500. This is 390% above the national median home value of $281,900.