Cheapest Cities Near San Francisco (2026)

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 194 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI60% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $2,720/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX60% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $2,650/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS59% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $2,600/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO59% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $2,650/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX59% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $2,650/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN59% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $2,610/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS59% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $2,660/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX59% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $2,550/mo on rent
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San Francisco at a glance

194
COL index
100 = US avg
$3,600
1BR rent
per month
$1.2M
Home price
median
9.3%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

San Jose, CACOL: 189New York, NYCOL: 187Honolulu, HICOL: 186Los Angeles, CACOL: 173

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only