🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
San Francisco is 20% more expensive
Los Angeles wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | San Francisco (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $2,538–$3,949 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $1,340–$2,115 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $106–$204 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $536–$804 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $71–$127 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $134–$162 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $42–$71 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $49–$92 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $20–$25 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $3,385–$5,359 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.1 / 10 · 2.2 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
San Francisco
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
San Francisco
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Los Angeles
San Francisco▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs Los Angeles
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
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Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →