A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA.
CA
Population: 3,820,914
CA
Population: 808,988
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 170 | 190 | -10.5% |
| Median Home Price | $850,000 | $1,200,000 | -29.2% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.76% | 0.74% | +2.7% |
| Median Household Income | $75,902 | $126,187 | -39.8% |
| Population | 3,820,914 | 808,988 | +372.3% |
Los Angeles, CA is 10.5% cheaper to live in than San Francisco, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$350,000
Los Angeles, CA is cheaper by 29.2%
Income Difference
$50,285
San Francisco, CA earns more by 39.8%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
San Francisco, CA
9.5x
$1,200,000 / $126,187
Overall, Los Angeles, CA is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 170 compared to 190, a median home price of $850,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 11.2x, Los Angeles, CA offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in San Francisco, CA ($126,187) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.