Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 29.6% more expensive than Washington, DC. This translates to spending an extra $2220 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $176,644.737 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 57.3% more expensive than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $2220 more per month than Washington, DC, or $26645 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Washington, DC

Tap to swap

San Francisco, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.2K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $176.6K in San Francisco, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↑ 29.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,220

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$26.6K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:130

Median Home:$1.25M

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

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: Washington, DC vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Washington, DC	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $3,560more	57.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $273more	14.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $79.94more	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$706/mo	↑ $74.35more	11.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$448/mo	↓ $60.11less	11.8%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 57.3%

Washington, DC

$6,211

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$3,560

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.5%

Washington, DC

$1,885

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$273

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.4%

Washington, DC

$1,079

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$79.94

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.8%

Washington, DC

$632

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$74.35

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.8%

Washington, DC

$508

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$60.11

less

📦Other

↑ 2.8%

Washington, DC

$1,825

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$50.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$2,460

↑ $310

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$2,950

↑ $735

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$3,570

↑ $1,100

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$4,560

↑ $1,445

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$3,978

Difference

Home Values

Washington

San Francisco

$556K

Median Value

$1.25M

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 124% more expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - San Francisco

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $524

Per year

Monthly Difference

$43.66

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

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

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.