Novato, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Novato has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Novato | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 205 | 265 | Novato |
| Housing | 289 ($1,695) | 396 ($1,693) | Novato |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 150 ($615) | 189 ($775) | Novato |
| Utilities | 195 ($520) | 248 ($713) | Novato |
| Healthcare | 195 ($376) | 248 ($515) | Novato |
| 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 Novato, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Novato, CA is cheaper overall by about 60 index points (Novato, CA: 205, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Novato, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $71,750/year in Novato, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.