Income and Cost of Living in San Francisco

Median, Mean, and Per Capita Income

The median income in San Francisco is $119,136 for households and $96,421 for individuals (SmartAsset). The mean income for households is significantly higher at $167,663 (SmartAsset). The per capita income, which includes all persons over the age of 16, is $72,041 (SmartAsset).

Key Facts

  1. Median Income: The median income in San Francisco is $119,136 for households and $96,421 for individuals.
  2. Mean Income: The mean income for households in San Francisco is $167,663.
  3. Per Capita Income: The per capita income in San Francisco is $72,041.
  4. Cost of Living: San Francisco has a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is nearly $4,400, and the salary needed to afford the median home payments is around $128,600.
  5. Middle-Class Income Range: According to one calculation, middle-class households in San Francisco have incomes ranging from $64,177 to $192,530.
  6. Living Wage: The living wage in San Francisco is the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and/or their family, working full-time. The living wage estimate varies depending on the number of working adults in the household.

Cost of Living

San Francisco has a high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is nearly $4,400 (SmartAsset). The salary needed to afford the median home payments is around $128,600 (SmartAsset).

Middle-Class Income Range

According to one calculation, middle-class households in San Francisco have incomes ranging from $64,177 to $192,530 (Curbed). However, it is important to note that this range may be conservative, as the median income has likely increased since the data was collected in 2017.

Living Wage

The living wage in San Francisco varies depending on the number of working adults in the household and the number of children. For example, a single adult with no children needs to earn $28.74 per hour to meet their basic needs, while a household with two working adults and three children needs to earn $97.94 per hour (MIT).

Conclusion

San Francisco is a city with a high cost of living, but also with a high median income. However, the gap between the median and mean income is large, indicating a significant degree of income inequality. The living wage in San Francisco is also relatively high, reflecting the high cost of living.

Sources

FAQs

What is the median income in San Francisco?

The median income in San Francisco is $119,136 for households and $96,421 for individuals.

What is the cost of living in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is nearly $4,400, and the salary needed to afford the median home payments is around $128,600.

What is the middle-class income range in San Francisco?

According to one calculation, middle-class households in San Francisco have incomes ranging from $64,177 to $192,530. However, it is important to note that this range may be conservative, as the median income has likely increased since the data was collected in 2017.

What is the living wage in San Francisco?

The living wage in San Francisco varies depending on the number of working adults in the household and the number of children. For example, a single adult with no children needs to earn $28.74 per hour to meet their basic needs, while a household with two working adults and three children needs to earn $97.94 per hour.

Is it possible to live comfortably in San Francisco on a salary of $100,000?

It is possible to live comfortably in San Francisco on a salary of $100,000, but it will require careful budgeting. Housing costs will be the biggest expense, so it is important to find a roommate or live in a less expensive neighborhood. Other expenses, such as food and transportation, are also relatively high in San Francisco.

What are the highest-paying jobs in San Francisco?

The highest-paying jobs in San Francisco are in the tech industry, finance, and healthcare. Some of the most common high-paying jobs include software engineers, financial analysts, and doctors.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco?

The best neighborhoods to live in San Francisco depend on your budget and lifestyle. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill. These neighborhoods are known for their beautiful homes, excellent schools, and convenient access to amenities.

What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone. Some of the best things to do in San Francisco include visiting Alcatraz Island, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, and riding a cable car. The city is also home to world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping.