San Francisco, CA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC. 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.
Washington, DC
DC
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 111.3
- Housing RPP
- 156.3
- Goods RPP
- 107.2
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,045/mo
DC income tax 4%-10.75%. MD and VA suburbs have own state taxes.
Equivalent salary
Washington, DC is cheaper than San Francisco, CA by about 5.6% (RPP 117.9 to 111.3).
$60,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $56,641
in Washington, DC
$100,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $94,402
in Washington, DC
$150,000 in San Francisco, CA
-> $141,603
in Washington, DC
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 Washington, DC cheaper or more expensive than San Francisco, CA?
- Washington, DC (RPP 111.3) is cheaper than San Francisco, CA (RPP 117.9) by about 5.6%.
- What salary do I need in Washington, DC if I earn $100,000 in San Francisco, CA?
- You would need approximately $94,402 in Washington, DC to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in San Francisco, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (111.3 / 117.9).