San Francisco, CA vs Santa Clara, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Santa Clara | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 265 | 295 | San Francisco |
| Housing | 396 ($1,693) | 439 ($2,090) | San Francisco |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Santa Clara |
| Food & groceries | 189 ($775) | 233 ($955) | San Francisco |
| Utilities | 248 ($713) | 270 ($790) | San Francisco |
| Healthcare | 248 ($515) | 270 ($571) | 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 San Francisco, CA or Santa Clara, CA cheaper to live in?
San Francisco, CA is cheaper overall by about 30 index points (San Francisco, CA: 265, Santa Clara, CA: 295; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA vs Santa Clara, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA and $103,250/year in Santa Clara, CA to cover basic living costs.