Living in San Francisco, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Francisco · Census data 2020–2024
San Francisco has 830,235 residents with a median age of 40. The median household income is $140,970 (42% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,394,500, the median rent is $2,476/month.
San Francisco at a glance
- Population
- 830,235
- Median age
- 40State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $140,970State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,394,500State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,476/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 38.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 60.3%
- Average commute
- 30 min
Is San Francisco a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 42% higher than the California median; unemployment of 6.1%; a poverty rate of 11.2%.
Cons: Home values 90% higher than the state median; an average commute of 30 minutes.
The weather is best in July to October.
Cost of living in San Francisco
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Francisco the median home value is $1,394,500, 319% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,476 per month, which is 25.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
San Francisco median household income
The median household income in San Francisco is $140,970 and the income per person is $92,289. 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Francisco: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 414,602
- Owner-occupied
- 38.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 61.8%
- Vacant
- 12.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1946
- Average household size
- 2.21
San Francisco demographics
- Population
- 830,235
- Median age
- 40
- Under 18
- 13.7%
- 65 and older
- 17.6%
- Households
- 363,970
- Foreign-born
- 34%
- Veterans
- 2.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Francisco ›
Education in San Francisco
60.3% of adults 25 and older in San Francisco have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 25.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Francisco
- Unemployment rate
- 6.1%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 30 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 31%
- Drive alone
- 28.6%
- Public transit
- 18.7%
- Walk to work
- 9.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 93%
San Francisco vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 830,235 | $140,970 | $1,394,500 | $2,476 |
| Bolinas | 1,334 | $100,625 | $2,000,001 | $1,924 |
| Stinson Beach | 255 | $132,857 | $1,493,400 | — |
| Muir Beach | 311 | $140,227 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Inverness | 1,346 | $80,176 | $1,872,700 | $1,829 |
| Lagunitas-Forest Knolls | 1,626 | $130,682 | $939,500 | $2,387 |
| Point Reyes Station | 517 | $112,813 | $1,603,200 | $1,898 |
| San Geronimo | 583 | $171,932 | $1,175,500 | — |
| Woodacre | 1,627 | $231,953 | $1,071,800 | — |
More for people moving to San Francisco
Weather and climate ›Living in San Francisco: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Francisco, CA?
The median household income in San Francisco is $140,970, 42% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in San Francisco?
The median home value in San Francisco is $1,394,500, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Francisco?
The median gross rent in San Francisco is $2,476 per month, about 25.1% of household income.
Is San Francisco, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 42% higher than the California median; unemployment of 6.1%; a poverty rate of 11.2%. Minuses: home values 90% higher than the state median; an average commute of 30 minutes.
What is the median age in San Francisco?
The median age in San Francisco is 40 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Francisco?
The average commute to work in San Francisco is 30 minutes; 31% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Francisco?
The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 6.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Francisco?
60.3% of adults in San Francisco have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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