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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Orange

California
206

San Francisco is 30% more expensive than Orange.

$2,419/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 7%
$141,446/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 17%
$1,380,500 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 35%
$2,620/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 9%
836,321
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $24,501/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Orange — common questions

Is San Francisco or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Orange?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Orange?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $24,501/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Orange details →

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