The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 17% more expensive than Toronto.
If you move from San Francisco to Toronto, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in San Francisco, you would need to earn about $62,857 in Toronto.
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 San Francisco:
Why people love Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,850 | $3,675 | $-175 |
| Monthly groceries | $459 | $383 | $-76 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $368 | $280 | $-88 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $107 | $-17 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $176 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $4,996 | $4,620 | $-376 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Toronto to match a San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,905 | $8,095 less |
| $75,000 | $62,857 | $12,143 less |
| $100,000 | $83,810 | $16,190 less |
| $125,000 | $104,762 | $20,238 less |
| $150,000 | $125,714 | $24,286 less |
| $200,000 | $167,619 | $32,381 less |
San Francisco vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Toronto is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 110, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: $7,000/month vs Toronto: $2,655/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 0, while Toronto wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.