City guide
🇺🇸 Living in San Francisco
The heart of the US tech industry, with the highest salaries in the country, set against one of the most expensive housing markets anywhere
Not sure San Francisco is your city? Take the 2-minute quiz →At a glance
Net salary calculator
Calculate your take-home pay in San Francisco with our detailed tax calculator.
Net salary in the United States →Cost of living
| Rent (1-bed, center) | €3,143/mo |
| Rent (1-bed, outside centre) | €2,386/mo |
| Groceries (single) | €389/mo |
| Groceries (family) | €973/mo |
| Transport pass | €78/mo |
| Restaurant (2 people, mid-range) | €104 |
| Coffee | €5.00 |
| Gym membership | €117/mo |
| Healthcare | The US has no public health system for working-age residents; coverage is employer-sponsored private insurance. The visible employee payroll contribution averages around 100 euros per month for single cover, but the full premium is far higher and significant deductibles and copays apply |
Budget calculator
Build a detailed monthly budget for San Francisco based on your lifestyle.
Build your budget →Why choose San Francisco?
One of the world's densest tech and AI ecosystems, with venture capital, startups, and big-tech headquarters
The highest professional salaries in the US, especially in software and engineering
A compact, walkable core served by Muni and BART, close to Silicon Valley
Outdoor culture: coast, parks, and wine country within easy reach
English-speaking, with deep international and immigrant communities
No city income tax, though California's state tax is high
Quality of life
Moving to San Francisco : checklist
- 1Secure US work authorization first: most expats arrive on an employer-sponsored visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, or E-2); there is no digital-nomad route
- 2Understand the tax stack: California has high, progressive state income tax on top of federal, but no city income tax
- 3Brace for housing costs: a one-bedroom in the city averages around 3,140 euros per month, the Bay Area's defining expense
- 4Arrange health insurance through your employer; the US has no public system for working-age residents
- 5Get a Clipper card for Muni, BART, and regional transit
- 6Open a US bank account and start building a US credit history early
- 7Note that much of the tech workforce lives across the wider Bay Area, so factor in commute and BART or Caltrain access
Frequently asked questions
How much tax will I pay in San Francisco?+
What visa do I need to work in San Francisco?+
How expensive is San Francisco?+
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These figures are indicative and based on public datasets. They are not tax advice. Consult a licensed tax advisor or financial professional before making relocation or employment decisions.
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