Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Oakland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 2.0% cheaper than Oakland, CA. This translates to saving $149 per month.

What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA to live like I do in Oakland, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Oakland, CA, you'd need approximately $148,208.955 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Oakland, CA and San Francisco, CA?

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 1.1% more expensive than in Oakland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,420/month in Oakland, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Oakland, CA to San Francisco, CA?

Moving from Oakland, CA to San Francisco, CA could save you approximately $149 per month, or $1791 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Oakland, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Oakland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $149/month moving to San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.2K in San Francisco, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$149

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Oakland, CA

Population:441K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$575K

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$1.25M

Oakland, CA

The Golden State

441K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 441K residents.

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Oakland, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Oakland, CA	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $751more	53.4%
Housing	$9,667/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $104more	1.1%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $29.98more	2.7%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$448/mo	↓ $16.39less	3.5%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$706/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↑ 53.4%

Oakland, CA

$1,407

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$751

Housing

↑ 1.1%

Oakland, CA

$9,667

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$104

Other

↑ 2.8%

Oakland, CA

$1,825

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$50.22

Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Oakland, CA

$1,129

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$29.98

All Utilities

↓ 3.5%

Oakland, CA

$464

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$16.39

less

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Oakland, CA

$706

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,770

To$2,460

↑ $690

1 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,950

↑ $960

2 Bed

From$2,420

To$3,570

↑ $1,150

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$4,560

↑ $1,470

Oakland, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,990–$2,510/mo

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$15,199

Monthly in Oakland, CA

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$919

Difference

Home Values

Oakland

San Francisco

$575K

Median Value

$1.25M

↓ -9.5%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↓ -12.6%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$433K - $1.10M

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 117% more expensive than Oakland

Calculate payment - Oakland Calculate payment - San Francisco

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Oakland, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Oakland, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.