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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fremont

California
278

San Francisco is 4% cheaper than Fremont.

$2,419/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 20%
$141,446/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 25%
$1,380,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↓ 7%
$2,620/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 15%
836,321
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $34,904/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Fremont — common questions

Is San Francisco or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Francisco is cheaper to live in with an index of 267 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fremont?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fremont?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $34,904/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Fremont details →

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