Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Francisco, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

San Francisco

California
267

Los Angeles is 80% cheaper than San Francisco.

$1,879/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,419/mo ↑ 29%
$80,366/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$141,446/yr ↑ 76%
$879,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$1,380,500 ↑ 57%
$2,055/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,620/mo ↑ 27%
3,857,897
Population
836,321

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 267 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $61,080/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,380,500 in San Francisco.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs San Francisco — common questions

Is Los Angeles or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in San Francisco it's $2,419/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $141,446 in San Francisco. Median household income is $61,080/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or San Francisco?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with rent of $2,419/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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