Salary & Cost of Living in South San Francisco, CA
South San Francisco, CA: $66,203 median salary, cost of living index 156.4, $16.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$66,203
$32/hr
Cost of Living
156.4
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.6%
rate
South San Francisco, CA Overview
Population
67,789
Median Salary
$66,203
Average Salary
$74,147
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$851,000
Median Rent
$3,438/mo
Job Growth
+0.8%
Sales Tax
7.25%
South San Francisco is located in California with a population of 67,789. The median household salary is $66,203 per year ($32/hour), which is $6,819 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.8%.
South San Francisco Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in South San Francisco, CA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$48,803
$4,066.91/month · $1,877.04/biweekly · Effective Rate: 26.3%
Gross Pay
$66,203
Federal Tax
-$6,179
State Tax
-$6,157
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,065
Net Pay
$48,803
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,516.92 | $66,203.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$514.89 | -$6,178.66 |
| California State Tax (9.3%) | -$513.07 | -$6,156.88 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$342.05 | -$4,104.59 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$80.00 | -$959.94 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,066.91 | $48,802.93 |
Salary Comparison: South San Francisco vs Other Cities
See how South San Francisco's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| South San Francisco, CA | $66,203 | 156.4 | $42,329 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Redondo Beach, CA | $66,202 | 154.5 | $42,849 |
| Milford Mill, MD | $66,200 | 112.8 | $58,688 |
| Encinitas, CA | $66,193 | 155.5 | $42,568 |
| Ewing, NJ | $66,215 | 126 | $52,552 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in South San Francisco
South San Francisco's cost of living index is 156.4 (national average = 100). Living in South San Francisco is 56.400000000000006% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$851,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,438
Annual Rent Cost
$41,256
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $48,803 annual take-home pay in South San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $31,204 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $103,541 in South San Francisco to match a $66,203 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in South San Francisco
South San Francisco's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $66,203.
Salary Tips for South San Francisco Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. South San Francisco has a cost of living 56.400000000000006% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 9.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. South San Francisco's top industries include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $66,203 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in South San Francisco, CA?
The median salary in South San Francisco, CA is $66,203 per year, or $32 per hour. The average salary is $74,147. This is $6,819 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco's cost of living index is 156.4 (national average = 100), meaning it is 56.400000000000006% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $851,000 and the median monthly rent is $3,438.
What are the best industries in South San Francisco?
The top industries in South San Francisco, CA include Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 0.8% and an unemployment rate of 4.6%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $66,203.
How does South San Francisco's salary compare to other cities?
South San Francisco's median salary of $66,203 is 11.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 156.4), the real purchasing power is approximately $42,329.
What is the minimum wage in South San Francisco, CA?
The minimum wage in South San Francisco, CA is $16.00 per hour. This equals approximately $33,280 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $8.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.