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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Anaheim

California
182

San Francisco is 47% more expensive than Anaheim.

$2,419/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↓ 14%
$141,446/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 36%
$1,380,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$771,700 ↓ 44%
$2,620/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↓ 17%
836,321
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $50,863/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Anaheim — common questions

Is San Francisco or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Anaheim?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Anaheim?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $50,863/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 San Francisco or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Anaheim details →

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