San Francisco vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~48% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,868 | $821 | +$2,047 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,248 | $630 | +$1,618 |
| Groceries | $525 | $370 | +$155 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $15 | +$13 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $47 | +$45 |
| Utilities | $212 | $170 | +$42 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | San Francisco | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,032/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $4,117/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,072/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in San Francisco | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $782/mo | -$718 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,042/mo | -$958 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,563/mo | -$1,437 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: San Francisco vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 48% more affordable than San Francisco when combining rent and daily living costs. San Francisco's COL+Rent Index of 75.6 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in San Francisco costs $2,868/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $2,047/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $24,564 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in San Francisco ($525/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $15 show Graz offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.