Salinas, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Salinas has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Salinas | San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 142 | 265 | Salinas |
| Housing | 175 ($1,346) | 396 ($1,693) | Salinas |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Salinas |
| Food & groceries | 119 ($488) | 189 ($775) | Salinas |
| Utilities | 138 ($315) | 248 ($713) | Salinas |
| Healthcare | 138 ($228) | 248 ($515) | Salinas |
| 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 Salinas, CA or San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
Salinas, CA is cheaper overall by about 123 index points (Salinas, CA: 142, San Francisco, CA: 265; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Salinas, CA vs San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $49,700/year in Salinas, CA and $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.