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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Vallejo

California
155

San Francisco is 72% more expensive than Vallejo.

$2,419/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↓ 17%
$141,446/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↓ 37%
$1,380,500 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$557,500 ↓ 60%
$2,620/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↓ 21%
836,321
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Vallejo, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $51,950/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Vallejo — common questions

Is San Francisco or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vallejo is cheaper to live in with an index of 155 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Vallejo?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Vallejo?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $51,950/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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Vallejo details →

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