San Francisco, CA vs San Rafael, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Rafael has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | San Rafael | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 265 | 238 | San Rafael |
| Housing | 396 ($1,693) | 358 ($1,642) | San Rafael |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 189 ($775) | 146 ($599) | San Rafael |
| Utilities | 248 ($713) | 229 ($644) | San Rafael |
| Healthcare | 248 ($515) | 229 ($465) | San Rafael |
| 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 San Francisco, CA or San Rafael, CA cheaper to live in?
San Rafael, CA is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (San Francisco, CA: 265, San Rafael, CA: 238; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA vs San Rafael, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA and $83,300/year in San Rafael, CA to cover basic living costs.