San Francisco vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living (2026)
Los Angeles is 27% more affordable than San Francisco.
Enter your salary → get exact comparisonAt a glance
San Francisco, CA
COL index224
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$3,600/mo
Median home price$1350K
VS
Los Angeles, CA
COL index163 ✓
State income tax9.3%
Avg 1BR rent$2,600/mo ✓
Median home price$850K ✓
Cost breakdown by category
Salary equivalency: San Francisco → Los Angeles
What salary in Los Angeles gives you the same purchasing power as your San Francisco salary?
San Francisco vs Los Angeles: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
When comparing the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 163 versus 224 for San Francisco — a difference of approximately 27%.
State income tax impact
San Francisco workers pay 9.3% California state income tax, while Los Angeles workers pay 9.3%.
Housing costs
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,350,000, compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles. Average 1-bedroom rent is $3,600/month in San Francisco versus $2,600/month in Los Angeles.