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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Ventura

California
183

San Francisco is 46% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,419/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 13%
$141,446/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 29%
$1,380,500 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 44%
$2,620/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 19%
836,321
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $41,039/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Ventura — common questions

Is San Francisco or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Ventura?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Ventura?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $41,039/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Ventura

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley