Is Washington, DC cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 22.8% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $1713 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $129,441.624 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Washington, DC is 36.4% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

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

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC could save you approximately $1713 per month, or $20558 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

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Washington, DC

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.4K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 22.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,713

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.6K

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

Median Home:$1.25M

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:77

Median Home:$556K

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Francisco, CA vs Washington, DC

Category	San Francisco, CA	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$6,211/mo	↓ $3,560less	36.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,885/mo	↓ $273less	12.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $79.94less	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$632/mo	↓ $74.35less	10.5%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$508/mo	↑ $60.11more	13.4%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$3,560

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.7%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$273

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.9%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$74.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.4%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$60.11

📦Other

↓ 2.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$50.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,460

To$2,150

↓ $310

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,215

↓ $735

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$2,470

↓ $1,100

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$3,115

↓ $1,445

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$3,978

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Washington

$1.25M

Median Value

$556K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 55% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $524

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$43.66

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.