Rent vs Buy Calculator: Should I Rent or Buy in San Francisco?
Here's the data you need to decide — based on San Francisco's median home prices, rents, property taxes, and market trends.
Average Rent vs Home Price in San Francisco: Market Snapshot
Median Home Price
$1,350,000
Median Rent
$3,500/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.1
Favors rentingProperty Tax
0.7%
Home Appreciation
3.5%/yr
Avg HOA
$600/mo
Cost of Renting vs Buying in San Francisco: Monthly Cost Comparison
Here's what it costs to buy vs rent in San Francisco with default assumptions (20% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year mortgage):
Estimated Buying Cost
Estimated Renting Cost
Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy in San Francisco? Key Insights
High price-to-rent ratio (32.1) — Renting is likely the better financial move unless you plan to stay 8+ years or expect above-average appreciation.
Significant HOA fees ($600/mo) — Common in San Francisco. This is a non-recoverable cost that can significantly delay your breakeven point.
Strong appreciation (3.5%/yr) — Home values are growing faster than average, which accelerates the breakeven point for buyers.
Run the full calculator with San Francisco's data pre-loaded to see your exact breakeven year based on your down payment, income, and timeline.
Use Our Rent vs Buy Calculator for San Francisco
Our calculator is pre-loaded with San Francisco's market data. Adjust your down payment, interest rate, and timeline to find your exact answer.
Use the San Francisco Rent vs Buy Calculator