Rent vs Buy in San Francisco, CA (2025)

Under 15 = buy, 15–20 = neutral, over 20 = rent

Median Rent
$3,500
/month
Median Home Price
$1200K
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28x
Breakeven Years
18 yrs
Mortgage Rate
6.65%
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Rent

Renting in San Francisco is likely smarter

A price-to-rent ratio of 28x means buying requires 18+ years to break even. Renters who invest the difference often build more wealth.

San Francisco, CA — Rent vs Buy Calculator

$
%
%
yrs
%
$/mo
%
$
%
%
%
yrs

Similar Cities

← Back to all cities
💬Feedback