Quick answer
Overall prices in the Los Angeles, CA metro were 113.6 vs 115.6 in San Francisco, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Los Angeles is 1.8% less expensive than San Francisco; housing rents differ by 12% (170.4 vs 194.7). A $75,000 income in Los Angeles buys about what $76,352 buys in San Francisco, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Los Angeles vs San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 113.6 | 115.6 | -1.8% |
| Goods | 106.6 | 108.5 | -1.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 170.4 | 194.7 | -12.5% |
| Utilities | 158.6 | 172.6 | -8.1% |
| Other services | 104.4 | 106.2 | -1.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.3 | 119.1 | -4.8% |
| $50,000 in Los Angeles equals in San Francisco | $50,901 | ||
| $100,000 in Los Angeles equals in San Francisco | $101,802 | ||
| $150,000 in Los Angeles equals in San Francisco | $152,704 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.