San Francisco, CA vs Los Angeles, CA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
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.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Equivalent salary
Los Angeles, CA is cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 4.1% (RPP 117.9 to 113.1).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $57,557
in Los Angeles, CA
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $95,929
in Los Angeles, CA
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $143,893
in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA cheaper or more expensive than San Francisco, CA?
- Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 4.1%.
- What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $95,929 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (113.1 / 117.9).