Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs San Francisco (2026)
Compare cost of living: Los Angeles vs San Francisco. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Los Angeles is 15% cheaper.
San Francisco is approximately 15% more expensive than Los Angeles overall. Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles could save you $7200+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living Los Angeles vs San Francisco including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether Los Angeles or San Francisco is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 166 | 195 | -15% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $2,600/mo | $3,200/mo | $-600 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $85,000 | $-20,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $108 | $120 | $-12 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $125 | $130 | $-5 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in Los Angeles, you would need approximately $88,102 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in San Francisco requires $63,846 in Los Angeles.
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,735 |
| $75,000 | $88,102 |
| $100,000 | $117,470 |
| $125,000 | $146,837 |
| $150,000 | $176,205 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $2,600 in Los Angeles vs $3,200 in San Francisco — $600/month or $7,200/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.