City Comparison
San Francisco vs New York
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
San Francisco is ~8% 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
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,868 | $3,182 | $314 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,248 | $2,494 | $246 |
| Groceries | $525 | $566 | $41 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $30 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $99 | $7 |
| Utilities | $212 | $229 | $17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | San Francisco | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,032/mo | $3,338/mo |
| Typical | $4,117/mo | $4,526/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,072/mo | $5,567/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in San Francisco | ≈ in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,637/mo | +$137 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,183/mo | +$183 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,274/mo | +$274 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco or New York cheaper to live in?
San Francisco is approximately 8% cheaper overall. San Francisco's COL+Rent Index is 75.6 vs New York's 82.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in San Francisco vs New York?
A 1BR in San Francisco city center costs ~$2,868/mo vs $3,182/mo in New York. Outside the center: $2,248 vs $2,494.
What is $2,000/month in San Francisco worth in New York?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $2,183/month in New York.
Are groceries cheaper in San Francisco or New York?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $525 in San Francisco vs $566 in New York. Groceries Index: 91.5 vs 98.7 (NYC = 100).