Redwood City, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Redwood City | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 333 | 265 | San Francisco |
| Housing | 528 ($2,071) | 396 ($1,693) | San Francisco |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Redwood City |
| Food & groceries | 202 ($828) | 189 ($775) | San Francisco |
| Utilities | 314 ($950) | 248 ($713) | San Francisco |
| Healthcare | 314 ($686) | 248 ($515) | San Francisco |
| 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 Redwood City, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
San Francisco, CA is cheaper overall by about 68 index points (Redwood City, CA: 333, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Redwood City, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $116,550/year in Redwood City, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.