Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 115.6 in San Francisco, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 5.8% less expensive than San Francisco; housing rents differ by 22% (151.1 vs 194.7). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $79,635 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) | Washington | San Francisco | Washington vs San Francisco |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 115.6 | -5.8% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 108.5 | -3.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 194.7 | -22.4% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 172.6 | -38.2% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 106.2 | -3.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 119.1 | -3.6% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in San Francisco | $53,090 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in San Francisco | $106,180 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in San Francisco | $159,270 |
Related
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.