Mission / Bernal
$900k–$1.3M
Dense condo stock. HOA and reserves vary by building age.
San Francisco · California
How Much House Can You Afford in San Francisco?
Median home near $1,250,000. Typical income near $140,000. Extreme — even strong earners often rent or buy with a large down payment. Run the calculator — this page also has salary tiers, neighborhood prices, and local buyer guides.
San Francisco home affordability at a glance
Planning figures for San Francisco, California. Your lender quote and tax bill may differ — use these as a starting point.
$1,250,000Median home price
$140,000Median household income
$390,625+Rough gross for median (3× rule)
$7,937/moEst. PITI on median (20% down)
On a median $1,250,000 home, property tax near 0.7% is about $729/month. Insurance near 0.42% of value is about $437/month. HOA is about $450/month where it applies.
Condos and co-ops add HOA and reserve fees. Many buyers need dual incomes well above $200k for a median unit.
Monthly payment breakdown on a median San Francisco home
Estimated PITI at $1,250,000 list, 20% down, 6.5% rate, and San Francisco tax and insurance defaults. Principal and interest are the largest line — but tax, insurance, and HOA still move the stress meter.
Estimated monthly PITI
$7,937/mo
In San Francisco, buyers who only compare list price to income miss tax and insurance. Run the calculator with your real debts — the 36% back-end rule includes car loans and cards.
How much house can you afford in San Francisco by salary?
Max home price at common gross salaries, 6.5% rate, $300/month other debt, and San Francisco tax and insurance. Stress label uses the 28% housing cap.
| Gross salary | Max home (est.) | Stress |
|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $179,211 | Moderate |
| $100,000 | $259,626 | Moderate |
| $125,000 | $340,041 | Moderate |
| $150,000 | $420,456 | Moderate |
| $200,000 | $581,287 | Moderate |
These rows assume no down payment in the solver — your down payment raises what you can buy. Enter your real numbers in the calculator for a personal max.
California take-home pay calculator · Comfortable salary in San Francisco
San Francisco home prices by area
The citywide median blends expensive and affordable pockets. Use these ranges as a map — not a guarantee for any one listing.
Sunset / Richmond
$1M–$1.4M
More single-family homes. Fog belt prices still top US norms.
SoMa / South Beach
$1.1M–$1.8M
High-rise condos with HOA often above $500 a month.
Oakland (nearby)
$650k–$950k
Not SF proper but common for buyers who work in the city.
The 28/36 rule in San Francisco
Lenders often use two caps. Our calculator applies both so you see a realistic max — not just what a bank might pre-approve.
28% front-end
Your full housing payment — mortgage, tax, insurance, and HOA — should stay near or below 28% of gross monthly income. In San Francisco, insurance and HOA often push buyers over this line before list price does.
36% back-end
All monthly debt plus housing should stay near or below 36% of gross income. A $400 car payment and $250 in student loans shrink your max home price even when income is strong.
Stress meter
We label results Comfortable, Moderate, Stretched, or Over limit. Shop below your max if you want room for repairs, childcare, or savings — especially in California where tax and insurance vary by block.
Buying a home in San Francisco: local context
San Francisco has the highest median price in this guide. A $1.25M median condo is not what most $140k earners buy without a large down payment or help from family.
Co-ops and condos add HOA near $450 a month in our default. Maintenance and reserves can rise after an inspection. Cash buyers still compete in popular buildings.
Tech wages pulled prices up for years. Remote work eased some blocks, but supply is still tight. Renting while saving a 20% down payment is a common path.
If you earn $200k gross, run the calculator with your real car and student loans. You may afford a smaller unit — not the citywide median listing.
San Francisco prices reflect scarce land and high wages. The median is not what most $140k earners buy without help from savings, family, or a second income.
Remote work shifted some demand to suburbs. City condos still compete with cash buyers in popular buildings.
Parking, storage, and move-in fees can add $50k+ to your real cost. Ask the listing agent for one-time building charges.
Earthquake insurance is separate from fire and liability. Budget it if your lender or building requires it.
How much house can I afford in San Francisco on $200k?
At $200,000 gross, the 28% cap is about $4,667 a month for housing. That can support a smaller condo near $900,000–$1,000,000 with 20% down — not the citywide median near $1.25M.
Co-op and condo fees eat cash flow. Our default HOA is $450 a month; luxury buildings run higher. Add that before you compare list price to income.
Tech stock and bonus income may not count fully in underwriting. Use base salary in the calculator, then see if RSU income changes your comfort level.
San Francisco co-op vs condo: what changes your payment
Co-ops may need 25–50% down and board approval. Monthly maintenance can include property tax and building debt — not just amenities.
Condos have clearer HOA lines but still carry reserve risk. Older buildings faced insurance and inspection scrutiny after statewide reforms.
Run two scenarios: one at list price and one $150k below. The stress label shifts fast when HOA is high.
What income do you need to buy in San Francisco?
For a median unit near $1.25M with 20% down, plan on $250,000+ gross to sit near the 28% line at 6.5%. Many buyers earn less and shop smaller units or outer neighborhoods.
Dual income above $200k each is common in tech-heavy buildings. Still model student loans and car payments — the 36% rule includes all debt.
Renting while saving a 20% down payment is a common path. Use rent vs buy with your real stay timeline before you rush an offer.
Rent vs buy in San Francisco
SF rent is high but so is the entry price for ownership. Buying often pays off only if you stay seven to ten years and your building's finances stay stable. Run your break-even with real HOA and tax.
First-time buyer tips in San Francisco
- Read co-op financials and board minutes before you pay for an inspection.
- Ask for the building's insurance quote history — some associations faced huge hikes.
- Model a pay-cut scenario if you work in tech — do not max out on bonus income.
- Compare Oakland and Peninsula listings if you need space under $1M.
FAQ — how much house can I afford in San Francisco?
Can I afford a home in San Francisco on $200k?
You may qualify for a smaller condo, not a median $1.25M listing. Run the calculator with your real debts.
Why is SF so expensive?
Land is scarce, wages are high, and supply is tight. The payment stack still uses the same 28% rule.
Can you buy in SF on $150k salary?
You may qualify for a small condo in outer neighborhoods — not a median $1.25M unit. Run the calculator with your real debts.
Why is San Francisco HOA so high?
Labor, reserves, and insurance in dense buildings push fees up. Low HOA can signal deferred maintenance.
Is SF property tax lower than LA?
Rates look lower on paper but assessed values are high. Maintenance fees are often the bigger swing factor.
Should I buy in SF or rent?
If you might leave in three years, renting is often cheaper after closing costs and HOA. Use our rent vs buy tool with your timeline.