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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Washington

District of Columbia
171

San Francisco is 56% more expensive than Washington.

$2,419/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,900/mo ↓ 21%
$141,446/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$106,287/yr ↓ 25%
$1,380,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$724,600 ↓ 48%
$2,620/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,103/mo ↓ 20%
836,321
Population
672,079

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.56%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $35,159/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $724,600 in Washington.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Washington — common questions

Is San Francisco or Washington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Washington?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Washington it's $1,900/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Washington?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $106,287 in Washington. Median household income is $35,159/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between California and District of Columbia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax.
Should I move to San Francisco or Washington?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Washington has a cost index of 171 with rent of $1,900/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Washington details →

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