San Francisco, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Cruz has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Santa Cruz | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 265 | 230 | Santa Cruz |
| Housing | 396 ($1,693) | 339 ($1,611) | Santa Cruz |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 189 ($775) | 149 ($611) | Santa Cruz |
| Utilities | 248 ($713) | 220 ($610) | Santa Cruz |
| Healthcare | 248 ($515) | 220 ($441) | Santa Cruz |
| 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 Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Cruz, CA is cheaper overall by about 35 index points (San Francisco, CA: 265, Santa Cruz, CA: 230; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA and $80,500/year in Santa Cruz, CA to cover basic living costs.