Richmond, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Richmond has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Richmond | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 149 | 265 | Richmond |
| Housing | 187 ($1,327) | 396 ($1,693) | Richmond |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 121 ($496) | 189 ($775) | Richmond |
| Utilities | 144 ($337) | 248 ($713) | Richmond |
| Healthcare | 144 ($243) | 248 ($515) | Richmond |
| 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 Richmond, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Richmond, CA is cheaper overall by about 116 index points (Richmond, CA: 149, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Richmond, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $52,150/year in Richmond, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.