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New York vs San Francisco: prices, pay and housing
| New York, NY | San Francisco, CA | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 112.6 | 115.6 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $86,310 | $100,220 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $61,430 | $74,260 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $76,677 | $86,686 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $65,407 | $74,106 |
| Typical home value | $727,625 | $1,149,215 |
| Median household income | $97,334 | $133,780 |
| Home price / household income | 7.5 | 8.6 |
| Metro population | 19,756,722 | 4,653,593 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: New York to San Francisco
To keep the same standard of living when moving from New York to San Francisco, multiply your salary by 1.027.
| Salary in New York | Same buying power in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in New York | $51,355 in San Francisco |
| $75,000 in New York | $77,032 in San Francisco |
| $100,000 in New York | $102,710 in San Francisco |
| $150,000 in New York | $154,064 in San Francisco |
| $200,000 in New York | $205,419 in San Francisco |
Salaries for common jobs in New York and San Francisco
| Job | New York | San Francisco | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $41,120 | $38,810 | $36,531 / $33,569 |
| Software Developers | $165,870 | $193,430 | $147,357 / $167,308 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $37,130 | $44,620 | $32,986 / $38,594 |
| General and Operations Managers | $189,200 | $177,240 | $168,084 / $153,305 |
| Registered Nurses | $119,600 | $176,900 | $106,252 / $153,010 |
| Retail Salespersons | $43,950 | $47,290 | $39,045 / $40,904 |
| Cashiers | $38,180 | $43,260 | $33,919 / $37,418 |
| Office Clerks, General | $50,080 | $56,950 | $44,491 / $49,259 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $45,280 | $51,280 | $40,226 / $44,355 |
| Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel | $106,910 | $110,360 | $94,978 / $95,456 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $45,520 | $48,720 | $40,440 / $42,141 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $55,000 | $46,460 | $48,862 / $40,186 |
| Security Guards | $46,140 | $50,270 | $40,990 / $43,481 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $42,380 | $47,210 | $37,650 / $40,835 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $119,280 | $120,780 | $105,967 / $104,469 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
More cost of living comparisons
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New York vs San Francisco: questions
Is New York more expensive than San Francisco?
No. BEA prices are 112.6 in New York, NY and 115.6 in San Francisco, CA (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $100,000 in New York?
About $102,710, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, New York or San Francisco?
San Francisco, CA: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.