San Francisco, CA vs Walnut Creek, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Walnut Creek has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Walnut Creek | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 265 | 214 | Walnut Creek |
| Housing | 396 ($1,693) | 296 ($1,829) | Walnut Creek |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Walnut Creek |
| Food & groceries | 189 ($775) | 182 ($746) | Walnut Creek |
| Utilities | 248 ($713) | 198 ($533) | Walnut Creek |
| Healthcare | 248 ($515) | 198 ($385) | Walnut Creek |
| 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 Walnut Creek, CA cheaper to live in?
Walnut Creek, CA is cheaper overall by about 51 index points (San Francisco, CA: 265, Walnut Creek, CA: 214; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA vs Walnut Creek, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA and $74,900/year in Walnut Creek, CA to cover basic living costs.