The Verdict
Living in Paris is 25% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Paris to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Paris, you would need to earn about £49,524 in San Francisco.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Paris:
Why people love San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Paris | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,300 | £3,900 | +£1,600 |
| Monthly groceries | £322 | £378 | +£56 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £245 | £275 | +£30 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £144 | +£3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £189 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £3,179 | £4,886 | +£1,707 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (25% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 79/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in San Francisco to match a Paris salary
| Salary in Paris | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £37,143 | £7,143 more |
| £40,000 | £49,524 | £9,524 more |
| £50,000 | £61,905 | £11,905 more |
| £60,000 | £74,286 | £14,286 more |
| £80,000 | £99,048 | £19,048 more |
| £100,000 | £123,810 | £23,810 more |
Paris vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 25%. Paris is the more affordable option.
Rent: Paris has a rent index of 115, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: Paris: £2,666/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Paris wins 6, while San Francisco wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.