LifeCost Blog
San Francisco

San Francisco

USA

Updated on October 02, 2025

Overview

San Francisco is an iconic California city known for its steep hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, its vibrant tech scene, and cultural diversity. It's the center of the San Francisco Bay Area and a major global financial and technology hub.

Average cost of living€4,665.00
Quality of Life80/100

Accommodation

Rent room (flat-share)€1,800.00
1-bed flat (center)€3,500.00
1-bed flat (outside)€2,800.00
3-bed flat (center)€6,500.00
3-bed flat (outside)€4,800.00

Buying House

sqm in city center€15,000.00
sqm outside center€11,000.00

Utilities

Basic utilities€180.00
Internet€85.00
Mobile plan€65.00

Transportation

One-way ticket€3.25
Monthly pass€98.00
Taxi start€4.50
Gasoline (1 l)€5.20

Leisure

Cinema ticket€18.00
Fitness club€120.00

Education

Preschool (month)€2,200.00
Intl. primary (year)€25,000.00

Demographics

Population 810,000
Metropolitan area population 4,700,000
Metropolitan area

Advantages

  • Global center of technology and innovation
  • Excellent public transportation
  • Cultural and culinary diversity
  • Mild climate year-round
  • Proximity to nature and beaches
  • Historic architecture and unique landscapes

Disadvantages

  • × Extremely high cost of living
  • × Housing crisis and lack of affordable rentals
  • × Traffic problems and limited parking
  • × Pronounced socioeconomic inequality
  • × Crime in certain areas
  • × Frequent summer fog