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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

San Francisco is 13% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,419/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 23%
$141,446/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 23%
$1,380,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 11%
$2,620/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 16%
836,321
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $32,224/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is San Francisco or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Francisco is cheaper to live in with an index of 267 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Santa Clara?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $32,224/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Santa Clara

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