The Verdict
Living in New York is 5% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from New York to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in New York, you would need to earn about £41,600 in San Francisco.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love New York:
Why people love San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | New York | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,600 | £3,900 | +£300 |
| Monthly groceries | £368 | £378 | +£10 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £288 | £275 | £-13 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £144 | £-8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £189 | £-9 |
| Total Monthly | £4,605 | £4,886 | +£281 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (5% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in San Francisco to match a New York salary
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £31,200 | £1,200 more |
| £40,000 | £41,600 | £1,600 more |
| £50,000 | £52,000 | £2,000 more |
| £60,000 | £62,400 | £2,400 more |
| £80,000 | £83,200 | £3,200 more |
| £100,000 | £104,000 | £4,000 more |
New York vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 5%. New York is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York has a rent index of 180, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: New York: £4,345/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, New York wins 3, while San Francisco wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.