Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Santa Clarita, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 23.1% more expensive than Santa Clarita, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1735 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Clarita, CA, you'd need approximately $170,823.33 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 51.8% more expensive than in Santa Clarita, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,197/month in Santa Clarita, CA.

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

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $1735 more per month than Santa Clarita, CA, or $20823 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Clarita, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Santa Clarita, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.8K in San Francisco, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 23.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,735

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$20.8K

Per year

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

Santa Clarita, CA

Population:224K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$885K

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

123

(23% above avg)

Median Home:$1.25M

Santa Clarita, CA

The Golden State

224K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 224K 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: Santa Clarita, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Santa Clarita, CA	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,439/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $3,333more	51.8%
Other	$1,598/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $277more	17.3%
Healthcare	$532/mo	$706/mo	↑ $174more	32.7%
Transportation	$1,992/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $166more	8.3%
Groceries	$999/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $160more	16.0%
All Utilities	$536/mo	$448/mo	↓ $87.44less	16.3%

Housing

↑ 51.8%

Santa Clarita, CA

$6,439

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$3,333

Other

↑ 17.3%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,598

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$277

Healthcare

↑ 32.7%

Santa Clarita, CA

$532

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$174

Transportation

↑ 8.3%

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,992

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$166

Groceries

↑ 16.0%

Santa Clarita, CA

$999

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$160

All Utilities

↓ 16.3%

Santa Clarita, CA

$536

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$87.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,452

To$2,460

↑ $1,008

1 Bed

From$1,648

To$2,950

↑ $1,302

2 Bed

From$2,197

To$3,570

↑ $1,373

3 Bed

From$3,296

To$4,560

↑ $1,264

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.

$12,096

Monthly in Santa Clarita, CA

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$4,022

Difference

Home Values

Santa Clarita

San Francisco

Median Value

$1.25M

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

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

Santa Clarita, 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

Santa Clarita, 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.