Petaluma, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Petaluma has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Petaluma | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 179 | 265 | Petaluma |
| Housing | 240 ($1,665) | 396 ($1,693) | Petaluma |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Petaluma |
| Food & groceries | 147 ($603) | 189 ($775) | Petaluma |
| Utilities | 170 ($432) | 248 ($713) | Petaluma |
| Healthcare | 170 ($312) | 248 ($515) | Petaluma |
| 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 Petaluma, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Petaluma, CA is cheaper overall by about 86 index points (Petaluma, CA: 179, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Petaluma, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $62,650/year in Petaluma, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.