Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

San Francisco, California

In San Francisco, California, a gallon of regular gas costs $5.89 as of 2026-04-01 — $1.83 above the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $3,103, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. San Francisco's cost-of-living index of 145 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$5.89

National: $4.06

202.8%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$3,103

National: $1,900

23.2%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$17.50

Combo meal

4.8%YoY

Electricity

30.29¢

per kWh · ~$273/mo

74.3%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$210/mo

$2,520/yr

17.2%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$141,446

32.9% goes to essentials

32.9%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

Avg $2,520 in San Francisco. Compare rates:

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $3,103/mo in San Francisco. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Avian flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Bacon (lb)

$8.12 BLS avg

+22.7%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.47 BLS avg

+14.1%

Pasta (lb)

$1.96 BLS avg

+32.4%

Rice (5 lb)

$5.26 BLS avg

+26.7%

Coffee (12 oz)

$13.25 BLS avg

+48.7%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.42 BLS avg

+45.7%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.77 BLS avg

+16.1%

Apples (3 lb)

$5.20 BLS avg

+15.8%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.91 BLS avg

+31.1%

Lettuce (head)

$2.34 BLS avg

+30.0%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.76 BLS avg

+40.1%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.94 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cereal (family size)

$6.20 BLS avg

+29.4%

Frozen Pizza

$8.65 BLS avg

+37.1%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$17.50

Casual Dining

$42.00

Monthly Spend

$580

+4.8% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $10.94

$17.50

+60.0%

Wendy's

2022: $11.81

$18.90

+60.0%

Chipotle

2022: $12.25

$19.60

+60.0%

Starbucks

2022: $6.02

$7.35

+22.1%

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Looking for an Apartment in San Francisco?

Average 1BR: $2,544/mo · 2BR: $3,662/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

708k

Median Weekly Pay

$3,348

$174k/yr

Top Sector

Professional & Business Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$141k

household median

Employment by Sector — San Francisco

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Professional & Business Services
-9.6% 5yr$4,376/wk
25.7%

~$228k/yr

Education & Health Services
+7.8% 5yr$1,393/wk
14.0%

~$72k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
-20.5% 5yr$1,051/wk
11.4%

~$55k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
-24.6% 5yr$3,490/wk
8.9%

~$181k/yr

Information
+16.1% 5yr$6,592/wk
8.4%

~$343k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 06075

Highest Paying Sector

Information

$6,592/wk · $343k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$1,051/wk · $55k/yr

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