🇺🇸 New York vs 🇺🇸 San Francisco
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
🇺🇸
San Francisco
United States
$3,385–$5,359/mo
$3,385 – $5,359 / month (local)
San Francisco is 10% more expensive
New York wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | New York (USD) | San Francisco (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,308–$3,590 | $2,538–$3,949 | 🟢 New York |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,218–$1,923 | $1,340–$2,115 | 🟢 New York |
| Utilities | $96–$186 | $106–$204 | 🟢 New York |
| Groceries | $487–$731 | $536–$804 | 🟢 New York |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $64–$115 | $71–$127 | 🟢 New York |
| Public transport (monthly) | $122–$147 | $134–$162 | 🟢 New York |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$64 | $42–$71 | 🟢 New York |
| Gym membership | $45–$83 | $49–$92 | 🟢 New York |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $20–$25 | 🟢 New York |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,077–$4,872 | $3,385–$5,359 | 🟢 New York |
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
Housing2.7 / 10 · 2.2 / 10
New York▲ better
San Francisco
Safety8.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
New York
San Francisco▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose New York if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than San Francisco
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what San Francisco offers vs New York
- ✓Tech salaries
- ✓Innovation
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tech workers
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Full New York guide
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Explore New York →📊
Full San Francisco guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore San Francisco →