San Francisco is the 13th largest state and a preferable choice for international students. Are you planning to escalate your career to further heights and worry about the cost of living in San Francisco? Well, No worries! You are at the right place!
San Francisco, nestled along the picturesque shores of California, is renowned for its cultural diversity, technological innovation, and stunning vistas. Keep reading further to know more about the cost of living in San Francisco in 2024.
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Cost of Living in San Francisco: An Overview
San Francisco is not just a cultural hub but also a technological attraction that attracts study-abroad aspirants from across the globe. From iconic landmarks to some of the richest neighborhoods in the world and prestigious world-class institutions, San Francisco will never disappoint you. If you are planning to move to the USA, you must identify the main expenses and calculate the cost of living in San Francisco.
From accommodation and education to daily expenses and transportation, the cost of living in San Francisco will vary as per your choices, preferences, and lifestyle. In general, you can expect to spend USD 2500 to USD 3000 on a monthly basis. This includes accommodation, utilities, food, and transportation. Here, we have compiled a list of overall expenses you need to consider while calculating the cost of living in San Francisco.
| Expenses | Monthly Cost of Living in San Francisco |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | USD 1,542 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | USD 1,558 |
| Transportation | USD 158 |
| Food Cost | USD 371 |
| Utility Cost | USD 221 |
| Entertainment | USD 64 |
| Groceries | USD 60 |
| Clothes | USD 131 |
| Health Insurance | USD 80 |
| Total Cost of Living in San Francisco(Off-Campus Accommodation) | USD 2,627 |
| Total Cost of Living in San Francisco(On-Campus Accommodation) | USD 2,643 |
| Annual Cost of Living in San Francisco | USD 31,524 |
Cost of Accommodation in San Francisco
Finding an ideal student accommodation in San Francisco is often the first and most significant financial hurdle and mental satisfaction while moving abroad. The real estate market of the city is highly competitive that too with limited availability and directly impacts the cost of living in San Francisco. Whether you’re looking for a studio apartment with stunning views of the skyline or a shared rental to split costs, your choices and preferences can directly reduce or increase the cost of living.
| Type of Student Accommodation | Average Monthly Cost of Accommodation |
| Studio apartment | USD 2,500 – USD 3,500 |
| One-bedroom apartment | USD 3,500 – USD 4,500 |
| Two-bedroom apartment | USD 4,500 – USD 6,000+ |
| Shared rental (room) | USD 1,000 – USD 1,500+ |
Cost of Studying in San Francisco
With home to several prestigious and world-renowned educational institutions, the cost of studying is the most important thing you must consider while calculating the cost of living in San Francisco. The city is a preferable choice and an ideal option for students seeking quality education in fields ranging from technology and business to the arts and sciences. From books and study materials to accommodation near campus, the cost of studying in San Francisco can add up quickly. Here’s what you can expect.
| Cost of Studying in San Francisco | Average Cost per Year |
| Tuition fees (varies by institution and program) | USD 15,000 – USD 50,000+ |
| Books and study materials | USD 1,000 – USD 2,000 per year |
The cost of studying in San Francisco may vary as per the choice of the course and educational institution. Here, we have compiled a list of top educational institutions with their tuition fees and available ranking to ease your process of calculating the cost of living in San Francisco.
| CDRank | Top Educational Institutions | Tuition Fees | Ranking |
| 1 | University of San Francisco | USD 45,153/Yr | Ranked 1201 by QS in 2025 Ranked 115 by US News in 2024 |
| 2 | San Francisco State University | USD 7,757/Yr | Ranked 1201 by QS in 2025 Ranked 178 by US News in 2024 |
| 3 | University of California | USD 33,238/Yr | NA |
| 4 | Hastings College of Law | USD 33,238/Yr | NA |
| 5 | Academy of Art University | USD 33,238/Yr | NA |
Cost of Food in San Francisco
The food and culinary scene is as fantastic and diverse as its population is. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries and food trucks, this city will never disappoint you. It is really important to keep an eye on your food expenses as it is something that directly impacts the cost of living in San Francisco. No doubt, you can reduce it just with the proper tracking, and cooking at home can really help a lot.
| Food Categories | Average Monthly Cost |
| Groceries (for one person) | USD 300 – USD 500 |
| Dining out (per meal) | USD 15 – USD 30 |
| Coffee (regular) | USD 3 – USD 5 |
Also Read: Beware of Scammers! Our blog will help you to be cautious at the time of booking student accommodation – How to Identify Student Accommodation Scams?
Cost of Transportation in San Francisco
San Francisco is a well-connected city with an extensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and the iconic cable cars. Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connects the city to neighbouring communities and suburbs and is considered one of the most preferable choices. You can also opt for ride-sharing services or cycling as a cost-effective option.
Transportation is one of the most important parts of the cost of living in San Francisco and it may vary as per the choices and preferences made by you during your academic journey. Getting around San Francisco involves various transportation options with corresponding costs, check the table below.
| Transportation Option | Average Monthly Cost |
| Public transit (Muni, BART) | USD 81 for Muni |
| Ride-sharing services | Varies |
| Gasoline (if driving) | USD 4.64 per gallon |
| Tire balance | USD 75.33 |
Cost of Utilities in San Francisco
Managing the cost of utilities is an essential part of managing the cost of living in San Francisco. Apart from rent or mortgage payments, expenses like electricity, heating, cooling, and internet services can impact the cost of living in San Francisco. The utility bill may vary depending on the size of your accommodation, usage habits, and the efficiency of appliances. It contributes to the overall cost of living in San Francisco, Here is the compilation of necessities.
| Utility/Service | Average Monthly Cost |
| Electricity | USD 50 – USD 150 |
| Heating/Cooling | USD 50 – USD 100 |
| Internet | USD 50 – USD 100 |
Further Read: If you are studying in London and excited to explore the elegance for which it is renowned, you must choose to reside in some of the posh places in London.
FAQs
The cost of living in San Francisco may vary as per the choices and preferences made by you during your academic stay in the city. The cost of living in San Francisco ranges from USD 2,500 to USD 3,000.
San Francisco is known for its high cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining out. Prices for accommodation and everyday expenses tend to be higher than the national average.
The average rent varies depending on the neighbourhood and type of housing, but expect to pay between USD 3,000 to USD 6,000 or more per month for an apartment in desirable areas.
Affordable housing options can be limited, but exploring areas outside the city centre or shared accommodations can help reduce costs.
San Francisco offers a well-connected public transit system with Muni and BART, which are cost-effective options for getting around the city and beyond.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in San Francisco. We hope that this blog has given you the insights that you need. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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