A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between New York, NY and San Francisco, CA.
NY
Population: 8,258,035
CA
Population: 808,988
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | New York, NY | San Francisco, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 150 | 190 | -21.1% |
| Median Home Price | $680,000 | $1,200,000 | -43.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.88% | 0.74% | +18.9% |
| Median Household Income | $74,694 | $126,187 | -40.8% |
| Population | 8,258,035 | 808,988 | +920.8% |
New York, NY is 21.1% cheaper to live in than San Francisco, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$520,000
New York, NY is cheaper by 43.3%
Income Difference
$51,493
San Francisco, CA earns more by 40.8%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
New York, NY
9.1x
$680,000 / $74,694
San Francisco, CA
9.5x
$1,200,000 / $126,187
Overall, New York, NY is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 150 compared to 190, a median home price of $680,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 9.1x, New York, NY 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.