South San Francisco, CA

Very High · 258

California · Population 64,487 · Updated March 2026

$2,833
Median Rent / Month
$135,909
Median Income
$1,160,100
Median Home Value
$2,789
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South San Francisco

25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$33,996
Annual Rent
$18,076
State Income Tax
$8,237
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South San Francisco has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 258 (where 100 equals the national median), South San Francisco residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,833/month while earning a median household income of $135,909/year.

The median home value in South San Francisco, CA is $1,160,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,789 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, South San Francisco falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in South San Francisco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South San Francisco

What is the cost of living in South San Francisco, CA?
The cost of living index in South San Francisco, CA is 258 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,833, median household income is $135,909/year, and the median home value is $1,160,100.
Is South San Francisco, CA affordable?
No, South San Francisco is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 258. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in South San Francisco, CA?
The median gross rent in South San Francisco, CA is $2,833 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $33,996.
What is the median household income in South San Francisco?
The median household income in South San Francisco, CA is $135,909 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.