The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 15% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from San Francisco to Zurich, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in San Francisco, you would need to earn about £44,615 in Zurich.
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 San Francisco:
Why people love Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,900 | £3,300 | £-600 |
| Monthly groceries | £378 | £473 | +£95 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £275 | £375 | +£100 |
| Public transport pass | £144 | £208 | +£64 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £189 | £216 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £4,886 | £4,572 | £-314 |
* 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 (15% cheaper)
- Work in tech or startups
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Zurich to match a San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £33,462 | £3,462 more |
| £40,000 | £44,615 | £4,615 more |
| £50,000 | £55,769 | £5,769 more |
| £60,000 | £66,923 | £6,923 more |
| £80,000 | £89,231 | £9,231 more |
| £100,000 | £111,538 | £11,538 more |
San Francisco vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 15%. San Francisco is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 195, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: £5,530/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 5, while Zurich wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.