New York vs San Francisco
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Overall Verdict
New York is 5% cheaper than San Francisco overall. New York is very expensive while San Francisco is very expensive.
$1,857/mo
New York 1BR Rent
$1,969/mo
San Francisco 1BR Rent
Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | San Francisco | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Rent (City Center) | $1,857/mo | $1,969/mo | New York |
| 3BR Rent (City Center) | $3,442/mo | $3,321/mo | San Francisco |
| Meal (Inexpensive) | $17 | $20 | New York |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-Range) | $76 | $74 | San Francisco |
| Monthly Groceries | $431 | $472 | New York |
| Monthly Transport | $110 | $102 | San Francisco |
| Monthly Utilities | $207 | $192 | San Francisco |
| Internet | $54/mo | $72/mo | New York |
| Coffee | $5 | $5 | New York |
| Beer (Domestic) | $8 | $7 | San Francisco |
| Gym Membership | $56/mo | $59/mo | New York |
Quality of Life Comparison
Overall Quality
82
85
Safety
55
50
Healthcare
78
82
Education
83
83
Internet Speed
163
156
Nightlife
78
88
Which City Is Better For...
Budget LivingNew York
SafetyNew York
HealthcareSan Francisco
NightlifeSan Francisco
FamiliesNew York
Remote WorkNew York