Alameda, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Alameda has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Alameda | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 265 | Alameda |
| Housing | 346 ($1,676) | 396 ($1,693) | Alameda |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Alameda |
| Food & groceries | 177 ($726) | 189 ($775) | Alameda |
| Utilities | 223 ($623) | 248 ($713) | Alameda |
| Healthcare | 223 ($450) | 248 ($515) | Alameda |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alameda, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Alameda, CA is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (Alameda, CA: 238, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Alameda, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in Alameda, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.