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San Francisco vs New York

United States vs United States · 4,139 km apart

San Francisco

United States

$1,439

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

New York

United States

$1,664

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseSan FranciscoNew YorkCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$12.83$14.63San Francisco
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$51.30$58.50San Francisco
Cappuccino$3.85$4.39San Francisco
Monthly groceries (single person)$291$332San Francisco
Monthly public transport pass$47.03$53.63San Francisco
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$124$141San Francisco
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$35.91$40.95San Francisco
Fitness club membership$35.91$40.95San Francisco
Cinema ticket$9.41$10.73San Francisco
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$840$990San Francisco
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$584$689San Francisco
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,753$2,066San Francisco
Total single-person budget$1,439$1,664San Francisco
Average net salary$4,446$5,070

Verdict

San Francisco is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in San Francisco runs about $1,439 versus $1,664 in New York — a difference of roughly 16%.

Salary-adjusted, New York leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in San Francisco  ·  Full cost of living in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than New York?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,439 per month in San Francisco versus $1,664 in New York — about 16% less.
How far is San Francisco from New York?
The straight-line distance between San Francisco and New York is approximately 4,139 km (2,572 miles).
Which city has better salaries, San Francisco or New York?
The estimated average net salary is $4,446 in San Francisco and $5,070 in New York. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $3,007 in San Francisco versus $3,406 in New York per month.