What to know when moving to SF

All Your Burning Questions Answered About Moving to San Francisco

Known as a tech-oriented city, San Francisco has a lot to offer pretty much anyone looking to move there. The diverse culture and the never-ending list of activities to do, make San Francisco an attractive place to live. People in San Francisco love to spend time in parks and trails and dining at the ridiculously expensive restaurants. Have more questions about this exciting city? Here are the answers to all your questions about San Francisco.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

San Francisco at a Glance

  • San Francisco is considered one of the most walkable cities in the US. 
  • Rent is expensive in San Francisco.
  • There are around 900 000 people living in San Francisco.
  • San Francisco gets an average of 25 inches of rain every year and no snow.
  • There are on average 259 sunny days per year in San Francisco. 
  • San Francisco is famous for its live music. 
  • San Francisco is home to some to big tech companies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What Is the Cost of Living in San Francisco?

The cost of living in San Francisco is considered to be 80% higher than the national average.

Why Is San Francisco So Expensive?

San Francisco is a vibrant and trendy city which is why it is so expensive to live in. Here are some more reasons why San Francisco is so expensive: 

  • There are a lot of job opportunities with high salaries in San Francisco. 
  • Space is limited because of the city’s strict development regulations. 
  • There is more demand than supply within the housing market.
  • New developments are lacking.

What Is the Average Salary in San Francisco?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average salary in San Francisco is $101k per year.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Francisco?

The cost to live in San Francisco is $3500 for one person per month.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Expense

Cost

Rent – 1-bed outside city centre

$2500

Utilities – Gas, water, electricity, phone & internet

$251

Groceries – Fresh produce & refrigerated items

$170

Entertainment & Leisure – 5 beers, 1 regular meal + 1 mid-range meal at restaurant, 1 cinema visit & 1 gym membership

$300

Transportation & Material Goods – 1 pair of jeans, 1 dress & 1 monthly transit pass

$200

Total

$3500

(*Numbeo)

How Much Does an Apartment in San Francisco Cost?

A 1-bedroom apartment in San Francisco costs an average of $2500 per month outside the city centre. A 3-bedroom apartment in San Francisco costs an average of $4500 per month outside the city centre.

(*Numbeo)

 
 
 
 
 

How Much Is Gas in San Francisco?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average cost of gas in San Francisco is $15.73 /1000ft3.

How Much Is Public Transit in San Francisco?

A lot of people who get around town in San Francisco use the public transit system called Muni. Muni is an eco-friendly transit system that has minibuses, light rails, Metro trains, historic streetcars and cable cars.

 
 
 
 
 

How Much Do Trolleys Cost in San Francisco?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In San Francisco trolleys cost $2.25 for adults and $1.00 for children and seniors. (*Free Tours by Foot)

How much is the Muni in San Francisco?

For a single ride adult bus ticket, the Muni costs $2.50 through MuniMobile or Clipper® and $3.00 at the station. Tickets are cheaper through Clipper® and Muni Mobile to encourage people to be more eco-friendly and buy their tickets online instead of creating paper waste at the station.

 
 
 
 
 

Type of fare

Cost

Single Ticket for Adults (19–64)

MuniMobile: $2.50

Clipper®: $2.50

At the station (cash or machine): $3.00

Monthly Pass for Adults (19–64)

M pass on Clipper® with Cable Car only: $81

A pass on Clipper® with Cable Car & BART: $98

Single Ticket for Seniors (65+) or Disabled

MuniMobile: $1.25

Clipper®: $1.25

At the station (cash or machine): $1.50

Day Pass

Unlimited rides on Minibuses, trains & historic streetcars

MuniMobile: $5.00

Farebox: $5.00

Single Ticket for Cable Car 

Adults, youth, seniors & disabled (not on Medicare)

MuniMobile: $8.00

Clipper®: $8.00

At the station (cash): $8.00

Muni Access for 18 Years and Younger

Cable Cars not included

FREE

How Much Does a Cab Cost in San Francisco?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In San Francisco, a cab initially costs $3.50 and then each 1/5th mile costs $0.55. (*SFMTA)

How Much Does Uber Cost in San Francisco?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The average Uber cost in San Francisco is $2 per mile.

What’s There to Do in San Francisco?

There’s plenty to do in San Francisco like hiking, seeing live shows, taking pictures in front of scenic views, and spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

 
 
 
 
 

What’s There to Do in San Francisco at Night?

Some activities to do at night in San Francisco include: