New York, NY vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and San Francisco, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
New York, NY
NY
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113
- Housing RPP
- 154.2
- Goods RPP
- 107.6
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,752/mo
NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.
San Francisco, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 117.9
- Housing RPP
- 206.4
- Goods RPP
- 114.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $3,359/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3% (highest in nation). No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
San Francisco, CA is more expensive than New York, NY by about 4.3% (RPP 113 to 117.9).
$60,000 in New York, NY
-> $62,602
in San Francisco, CA
$100,000 in New York, NY
-> $104,336
in San Francisco, CA
$150,000 in New York, NY
-> $156,504
in San Francisco, CA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is San Francisco, CA cheaper or more expensive than New York, NY?
- San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) is more expensive than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 4.3%.
- What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?
- You would need approximately $104,336 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (117.9 / 113).