Quality of Life in San Francisco, CA on a $118,600 Salary

Overview of the Salary

• Annual Income: $118,600
• After-Tax Monthly Income: Approximately $7,900 (assuming federal, state, and local taxes)
• Comparison to Median Income: Above the median income for the U.S., but close to the median for San Francisco

Cost of Living

• General Expenses: San Francisco has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S.
  • Groceries: Around 25% higher than the national average.
  • Utilities: Slightly above average due to energy costs.
  • Transportation: Public transport available, but costs vary; parking and gas are expensive.
• Health Insurance and Care: Often above the national average, especially if not employer-sponsored.

Housing Market

• Median Home Price: Approximately $1.3 million, which considerably exceeds the national median.
• Rent Costs: Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is close to $3,500 per month.
• Home Ownership Feasibility: Challenging without substantial savings or dual income.

Quality of Life

• Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Offers an abundance of arts, music, dining, and outdoor activities.
• Work-Life Balance: High productivity culture; can lead to long hours despite an active social scene.
• Public Amenities: Well-maintained parks and public spaces.

Access to Healthcare

• Healthcare Quality: Generally high with top medical facilities.
• Access Levels: Excellent access to various healthcare providers, though cost can be prohibitive.

Quality of K-12 Schools

• Public School System: Mixed reviews; some schools rank highly while others may trail national standards.
• Private School Options: Numerous private schools with higher performance metrics available.
• School Funding: Typically well-funded, reflecting the area's economic base.

Summary of Assessment

Living in San Francisco on a $118,600 salary provides access to a vibrant lifestyle with rich cultural and social offerings. However, the high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, poses significant challenges. While healthcare and education are generally strong, affordability remains a concern, necessitating careful budgeting to sustain the quality of life that one desires in this high-demand city.