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.
San Francisco · California
How Much House Can You Afford in San Francisco?
Median home near $1,250,000. Typical household income near $140,000. Extreme — even strong earners often rent or buy with a large down payment. Calculator below uses San Francisco tax and insurance defaults.
Local numbers for San Francisco
$1,250,000Median home price
$390,625+Rough gross income for median home (3× rule)
0.7%Property tax (effective)
0.42%Insurance (of home value / yr)
On a median $1,250,000 home, tax near 0.7% is about $729/month. Insurance near 0.42% is about $437/month. HOA near $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.
Affordability 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.
FAQ — San Francisco
Why is SF so expensive?
Land is scarce, wages are high, and supply is tight. The payment stack still uses the same 28% rule.