Is Huntington Beach, CA cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntington Beach, CA is 21.8% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $1637 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $130,355.33 in Huntington Beach, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Huntington Beach, CA is 38.6% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Huntington Beach, CA could save you approximately $1637 per month, or $19645 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Francisco, CA vs Huntington Beach, 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 San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Huntington Beach, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.4K in Huntington Beach, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,637

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.6K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.25M

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:

(22% below avg)

Median Home:$1.32M

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

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Francisco, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA

Category	San Francisco, CA	Huntington Beach, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,771/mo	$6,003/mo	↓ $3,768less	38.6%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$551/mo	↓ $155less	21.9%
Other	$1,875/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $151less	8.0%
Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $120less	10.3%
All Utilities	$448/mo	$557/mo	↑ $109more	24.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 38.6%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

Difference

$3,768

less

Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

Difference

$155

less

Other

↓ 8.0%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

Difference

$151

less

Groceries

↓ 10.3%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

Difference

$120

less

All Utilities

↑ 24.4%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

Difference

$109

Transportation

→ 0.0%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$2,770

↑ $310

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,830

↓ $120

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$3,340

↓ $230

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$4,530

↓ $30.00

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Huntington Beach, CA

$4,084

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Huntington Beach

$1.25M

Median Value

$1.32M

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$1.20M - $1.49M

Homes in Huntington Beach are 6% more expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Huntington Beach

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

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

Huntington Beach, 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

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Huntington Beach, 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.