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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

San Francisco is 18% more expensive than Huntington Beach.

$2,419/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ≈ Same
$141,446/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↓ 15%
$1,380,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↓ 24%
$2,620/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↓ 7%
836,321
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,561/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is San Francisco or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntington Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 227 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $21,561/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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Huntington Beach details →

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