Berkeley, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Berkeley has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Berkeley | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 253 | 265 | Berkeley |
| Housing | 388 ($1,489) | 396 ($1,693) | Berkeley |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 145 ($595) | 189 ($775) | Berkeley |
| Utilities | 244 ($698) | 248 ($713) | Berkeley |
| Healthcare | 244 ($504) | 248 ($515) | Berkeley |
| 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 Berkeley, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Berkeley, CA is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Berkeley, CA: 253, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Berkeley, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $88,550/year in Berkeley, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.