Los Angeles vs San Francisco
Los Angeles runs about 38% cheaper than San Francisco for this household, a difference of 1,782 USD a month.
Los Angeles
$4,659/month · United States
San Francisco
$6,441/month · United States
Los Angeles monthly
$4,659
Index 73 (NYC = 100)
San Francisco monthly
$6,441
Index 101 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+38%
San Francisco relative to Los Angeles
Rent gap
$1,643
San Francisco costs more for a central 1-bed
By category
Where the gap actually is
Los AngelesSan Francisco
- HousingHousing: Los Angeles $2,507, San Francisco $4,150. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
- FoodFood: Los Angeles $849, San Francisco $914. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
- TransportTransport: Los Angeles $186, San Francisco $175. Cheaper in San Francisco.
- UtilitiesUtilities: Los Angeles $239, San Francisco $256. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
- HealthcareHealthcare: Los Angeles $537, San Francisco $560. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
- LifestyleLifestyle: Los Angeles $182, San Francisco $217. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
- OtherOther: Los Angeles $159, San Francisco $170. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
Interactive — adjust the household
Full comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| Total monthly cost | 4,659 USD✓ | 6,441 USD |
| Cost index (New York = 100) | 73✓ | 101 |
| Housing | 2,507 USD✓ | 4,150 USD |
| Utilities | 239 USD✓ | 256 USD |
| Food | 849 USD✓ | 914 USD |
| Transport | 186 USD | 175 USD✓ |
| Healthcare | 537 USD✓ | 560 USD |
| Lifestyle | 182 USD✓ | 217 USD |
| Income & tax | ||
| Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr | 5,978 USD | 5,978 USD |
| Effective tax + social rate | 28.3% | 28.3% |
| Left over each month | 1,319 USD✓ | -463 USD |
| Average local net salary | 4,600 USD | 6,600 USD✓ |
| Housing | ||
| 1-bed rent, city centre | 2,507 USD✓ | 4,150 USD |
| 3-bed rent, city centre | 4,714 USD✓ | 7,798 USD |
| Buy price per m², centre | 9,500 USD✓ | 13,500 USD |
| Quality of life | ||
| Safety | 48/100✓ | 45/100 |
| Healthcare | 82/100 | 88/100✓ |
| Air quality | 45/100 | 72/100✓ |
| Public transport | 48/100 | 72/100✓ |
| Walkability | 55/100 | 86/100✓ |
| English proficiency | 100/100 | 100/100 |
| Nightlife | 88/100✓ | 82/100 |
| Family friendliness | 62/100✓ | 60/100 |
| Median broadband | 230 Mbps | 260 Mbps✓ |
| Climate | ||
| Average temperature | 18°C | 14°C✓ |
| Summer high | 29°C | 22°C✓ |
| Winter low | 9°C✓ | 8°C |
| Sunshine hours per year | 3,250 h✓ | 3,060 h |
| Annual rainfall | 380 mm✓ | 600 mm |
| Practicalities | ||
| Remote-work visa | No | No |
| Beach access | 30 min | 20 min✓ |
| Currency | USD | USD |
| Time zone | America/Los_Angeles | America/Los_Angeles |
Los Angeles runs about 38% cheaper than San Francisco for this household, a difference of 1,782 USD a month.
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FAQ
Frequently asked
Is Los Angeles or San Francisco cheaper?
Los Angeles runs about 38% cheaper than San Francisco for this household, a difference of 1,782 USD a month.
What salary do you need in San Francisco compared with Los Angeles?
On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,978 a month in Los Angeles and $5,978 in San Francisco, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.
Which has better quality of life, Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Los Angeles scores 48/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; San Francisco scores 45 and 88. Los Angeles averages 18°C against 14°C in San Francisco.