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Complete breakdown of living costs, salaries, and neighborhoods in America's tech capital
San Francisco's housing market is among the world's most expensive. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment exceeds $5,800, with premium neighborhoods like SOMA, Mission Bay, and Pacific Heights commanding even higher prices. Even with high tech salaries, many residents spend 40-50% of their income on housing.
⚠️ Housing Reality Check
Many SF apartments require first month's rent, last month's rent, and security deposit upfront - potentially $15,000-20,000 to move in. Budget accordingly and consider roommates to reduce costs.
San Francisco remains the epicenter of the global tech industry, with major companies like Salesforce, Uber, Twitter, and countless startups headquartered here. Tech salaries are among the highest globally, but they need to be to maintain quality of life.
Remember to factor in equity and bonuses:
SF's compact size makes it walkable, but many tech workers commute to South Bay companies. Public transit includes Muni buses/trains, BART, and Caltrain for regional connections.
See how San Francisco compares to other cities and find your ideal salary.
Launch CalculatorSOMA, Mission Bay, Pacific Heights
Castro, Noe Valley, Hayes Valley
Sunset, Richmond, Outer Mission
To live comfortably in San Francisco in 2025, a single person typically needs $150,000-$200,000 annually, while a family of four should aim for $300,000-$400,000. The high housing costs drive these requirements - housing alone can consume 40-50% of gross income even at these salary levels.