Cost of Living in San Francisco
United States • Pop: 0.9M
San Francisco is the heart of global tech with the highest salaries.
Tech capitalHighest tech salariesStartup cultureInnovation hub
Cost Index
130
Rent Index
195
Avg Net Salary
£5,530/mo
Cost Breakdown vs London (Index 100)
Overall Cost
130
30% pricierRent
195
95% pricierGroceries
108
8% pricierRestaurants
110
10% pricierTransport
90
10% cheaperUtilities
105
5% pricierSalary Equivalence
How much you'd need to earn in San Francisco to match a London salary
| London Salary | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,000 | Need £9,000 more |
| £40,000 | £52,000 | Need £12,000 more |
| £50,000 | £65,000 | Need £15,000 more |
| £60,000 | £78,000 | Need £18,000 more |
| £75,000 | £97,500 | Need £22,500 more |
| £100,000 | £130,000 | Need £30,000 more |
Living in San Francisco: What to Expect
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 130, meaning it is 30% more expensive than London in overall living costs.
The average net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $7,000 (£5,530 when converted to GBP).
Cost Breakdown
- Rent: Index of 195
- Groceries: Index of 108
- Restaurants: Index of 110
- Transport: Index of 90
- Utilities: Index of 105
Key highlights: Tech capital, Highest tech salaries, Startup culture, Innovation hub.
Use our UK salary calculator to see your take-home pay, or compare with other cities.