Home Values in San Francisco, California — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Buyer's Market | +5% YoY
The median home value in San Francisco, California is $1,250,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in San Francisco have increased by 5% over the past year and 27.6% over the last five years. With a population of 873,965 and a median household income of $119,136, the price-to-income ratio stands at 10.5x, making San Francisco affordable for the average household.
San Francisco Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | San Francisco | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $1,250,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +5% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +27.6% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $855 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 46 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 5.2 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 99% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 490 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.75% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in San Francisco
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $979,624 five years ago in San Francisco would have gained approximately $270,376 in equity, representing a 27.6% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $59,524 in home equity.
Affordability in San Francisco, CA
With a median household income of $119,136 and a median home price of $1,250,000, the price-to-income ratio in San Francisco is 10.5x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $9,991 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $6,730 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.67. In San Francisco, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in San Francisco
The effective property tax rate in California is 0.76%. On a home valued at $1,250,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $9,500, or approximately $792/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in San Francisco is 179.6 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in San Francisco, CA?
The median home value in San Francisco, California is $1,250,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +5% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 27.6%.
Is San Francisco a buyer's or seller's market?
San Francisco is currently a buyer's market with 5.2 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 46 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 99%. Higher inventory gives buyers more negotiating power.
Are home values going up in San Francisco?
Yes, home values in San Francisco have increased by 5% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 27.6%, meaning a home worth $979,624 five years ago is now worth $1,250,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in San Francisco?
The average monthly rent in San Francisco is $9,991, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $6,730. The price-to-rent ratio is 10.4. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other California Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for San Francisco, California is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.