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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Berkeley

California
251

San Francisco is 6% more expensive than Berkeley.

$2,419/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↓ 12%
$141,446/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 23%
$1,380,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↓ 2%
$2,620/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↓ 11%
836,321
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $32,888/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Berkeley — common questions

Is San Francisco or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Berkeley is cheaper to live in with an index of 251 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Berkeley?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Berkeley?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $32,888/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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Berkeley details →

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