Cost of Living in San Francisco

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The cost of living in San Francisco is high, and if you’re planning a move to the city, you’ll need to ensure you have the financial means to cover expenses. As one of the most expensive cities in both the United States of America and the world, it rivals New York and Los Angeles in terms of housing, transport, and daily costs.

This shouldn’t put you off moving to San Francisco, though. Salaries in the city tend to be correspondingly high, particularly in the booming tech and finance sectors. That said, you should keep in mind that smart budgeting is essential in Golden Gate City.

Cost of accommodation in San Francisco

Housing is a big-ticket item in your total cost of living in San Francisco. You may have to compromise on aspects like location and size to find an affordable place to rent. Many apartment complexes also have shared laundry, and you’ll have to be prepared to pay extra for an apartment with its own washer and dryer.

Some rental accommodation includes utilities or gardening costs, which can mean better value for money. With the demand for rental properties being so high, many properties are leased within hours of being advertised.

Accommodation in San Francisco

Cost of transport in San Francisco

Public transport in San Francisco includes Muni’s extensive network of buses, light rail and cable cars throughout the city, plus Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) for regional connections to the East Bay and Peninsula. Fares on public transport are generally quite reasonable.

Because of the high price of accommodation in the city, it’s common to drive long distances to work each day, which potentially involves paying several bridge tolls in addition to fuel and car maintenance costs.

Public Transport in San Francisco

Cost of groceries in San Francisco

The cost of food in San Francisco’s supermarkets varies considerably, although newcomers can find savings by joining store loyalty programmes to get discounts on certain items. Speciality organic food supermarkets often provide produce of a higher quality but can be pricier. Also, any imported goods will drive up the grocery bill, so sticking to buying local, in-season produce tends to be more affordable.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in San Francisco

One of the most alluring aspects of San Francisco is its fantastic lifestyle. The cost of leisure pursuits and entertainment in San Francisco will depend on your personal preferences.

Ticket costs for popular museums, theatre productions and concerts are quite expensive, but many theme parks and tourist attractions offer season passes or group deals that can make entertainment more affordable.

Dining out in San Francisco can be expensive, and the city’s restaurant scene matches its high cost of living. That said, budget-conscious diners can find more affordable options, from food trucks to casual eateries, particularly in neighbourhoods outside the main tourist areas.

Lifestyle in San Francisco

Cost of education in San Francisco

Public schools in San Francisco are free, but you’re expected to cover stationery and excursion costs. There are also endless fundraising events at most public schools to cover education costs, although all donations are voluntary.

The cost of private education in San Francisco, as with most cities, is high. International schools which teach foreign curricula, like other elite private schools, come with substantial tuition costs.

Education and Schools in San Francisco

Cost of healthcare in San Francisco

Healthcare in San Francisco is primarily paid for with the help of employer-sponsored insurance, but your healthcare costs will be substantial even with coverage. The city’s Health Care Security Ordinance requires employers with 20 or more workers to contribute towards healthcare expenses.

Medical facilities in San Francisco are generally of high quality, and the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center ranks among the country’s top hospitals. Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance have been rising steadily, and you should budget for additional out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays and deductibles.

Healthcare in San Francisco