Living in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, and tech.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel
74
Score

From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the famous cable cars there's no shortage of instagram worthy moments in San Francisco. Take a walk along Fisherman's Wharf, try the seafood, and be sure to sample a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl filled with creamy clam chowder.

With its tech-savvy atmosphere and entrepreneurial spirit, San Francisco attracts digital nomads seeking a dynamic work environment. Co-working spaces, innovative startups, and a thriving tech industry make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine work and play.

The Good

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Good nightlife
  • ๐Ÿ˜‹ Decent food options
  • โ˜• Coffee
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Strong wifi coverage
  • ๐Ÿš€ Fast wifi
  • ๐ŸšŒ Good public transport
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Architecture
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Shopping

The Bad

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Relatively expensive
  • ๐Ÿจ High cost of accomodation
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Not the safest
  • ๐Ÿš˜ Traffic
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Pollution
  • ๐Ÿšถ Not walkable
  • ๐Ÿฅด Can get a little rowdy
  • ๐Ÿคผ Crowded

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
San Francisco
Cheapest () Costliest ()
United States
38%
more expensive than United States median
288th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • San Francisco is the second most expensive place (out of 14) to live in United States
  • The average salary in San Francisco is
  • It's about 44% more expensive to live in San Francisco than it is Paris
  • You can expect to spend around $4,830.22 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
--
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

OK

San Francisco has a moderate crime rate, with property crime being a concern in certain areas; however, many neighbourhoods are safe and welcoming.

Where to stay

1. Union Square

Located in the heart of downtown, Union Square is a hub known for its luxury shopping, nightlife, and proximity to attractions like Chinatown and the Theater District. It offers a central location and easy access to public transportation.

2. Fisherman's Wharf

This iconic waterfront neighbourhood is a popular tourist destination with its lively atmosphere, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and picturesque views of the bay. It's a great base for exploring attractions like Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Alcatraz.

3. The Mission District

Known for its street art, hipster vibe, and culinary scene, the Mission District is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. You'll find loads of bars, restaurants, and independent shops, as well as the famous Mission Dolores Park.

4. Haight-Ashbury

This historic neighbourhood became famous during the 1960s counterculture movement and still retains its bohemian spirit. It's known for its colourful houses, vintage clothing stores, eclectic shops, and lively music scene.

5. Nob Hill

Offering stunning views of the city, Nob Hill is an upscale neighbourhood known for its elegant hotels, historic mansions, and iconic landmarks like Grace Cathedral and the cable car lines. It's a quieter area compared to downtown but still within reach of popular attractions.

Internet speed

Superb

Download
178.9Mbps
Upload
21.7Mbps
Latency
36.9ms
Select a tile
Click a tile to see median wifi speed data for that area. Speeds are shown in Mbps.
Download speed
Powered by Wifi Speeds

Time difference

San Francisco

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in June is pleasant with temperatures around 17ยฐ

Average temperatures

14ยฐ
16ยฐ
17ยฐ
17ยฐ
18ยฐ
19ยฐ
19ยฐ
20ยฐ
21ยฐ
21ยฐ
18ยฐ
14ยฐ
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

Places near San Francisco

More places in North America