The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 20% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $92,647 in San Francisco.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $3,850 | +$875 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $459 | +$31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $368 | +$53 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $124 | $-13 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $196 | +$16 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $4,996 | +$962 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in San Francisco to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $61,765 | $11,765 more |
| $75,000 | $92,647 | $17,647 more |
| $100,000 | $123,529 | $23,529 more |
| $125,000 | $154,412 | $29,412 more |
| $150,000 | $185,294 | $35,294 more |
| $200,000 | $247,059 | $47,059 more |
Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while San Francisco has 110.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs San Francisco: $7,000/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 5, while San Francisco wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.