Is It Worth Buying a Home in San Francisco, CA?
The decision to rent or buy in San Francisco, California depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $1,350,000 and median monthly rent of $3,800, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.
San Francisco has an average property tax rate of 0.74% annually, which adds approximately $833/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.
Historically, home values in San Francisco have appreciated at roughly 4.0% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.
Key Factors for San Francisco Buyers
- Down payment of 20% on a median home = $270,000
- Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $7,178/mo
- Property tax ≈ $833/mo
- Estimated maintenance ≈ $1,125/mo