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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Murrieta

California
175

San Francisco is 53% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,419/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 4%
$141,446/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 22%
$1,380,500 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 56%
$2,620/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 9%
836,321
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $31,666/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Murrieta — common questions

Is San Francisco or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Murrieta?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Murrieta?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $31,666/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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Murrieta details →

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