Cost of Living in San Francisco County, California
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How San Francisco County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
San Francisco County ranks #3,140 of 3,142 counties for affordability (bottom 1%)
Sourced county brief
San Francisco County Median Renter Income Recorded at $112,757
In San Francisco County, the median renter-household income was $112,757. The official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI) was 25.1%, which is 6.6 percentage points lower than the California unweighted county mean of 31.7%. The median gross rent in the county was estimated at $2,476 per month, exceeding the state unweighted county mean of $1,691. For homeowners, the median home value was recorded at $1,394,500, which is $790,388 above the state unweighted mean of $604,112. Median selected monthly owner costs for all units were $3,272. These statistics are derived from the ACS 5-Year Estimates and provide a factual record of housing expenditures for separate tenure groups. They are not intended as market forecasts or relocation advice. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: San Francisco County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 25.1% of renter household income in San Francisco County, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $2,476 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $3,272. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $99,040 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The California unweighted mean of county median rents is $1,691 per month. San Francisco County's $2,476 median is 46.5% above that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in San Francisco County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,289
per month
Owner Cost Burden
27.9%
of gross income
The median home in San Francisco County may be a stretch
Median home value is $1,394,500. Estimated monthly cost: $11,133 vs. your max of $3,289.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Francisco County, California?
What is the median rent in San Francisco County?
Is San Francisco County affordable?
How does San Francisco County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in San Francisco County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in San Francisco County, California? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in San Francisco County
Whether you're buying in San Francisco County, California, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.