Capital Gains Tax Calculator for San Francisco, CA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Capital gains tax in San Francisco, CA depends on your federal rate plus California state taxes. For real estate, note that the median home in San Francisco has appreciated significantly — understanding your tax liability before selling is critical. Long-term gains (assets held >1 year) receive preferential federal rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%.
How San Francisco Compares to the National Average
Understanding how San Francisco stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,350,000 | $420,800 | +220.8% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $3,498 | $1,713 | +104.2% |
| Median Household Income | $131,000 | $74,580 | +75.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.63% | 1.10% | -42.7% |
| Cost of Living Index | 214 | 100 | +114.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
San Francisco Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 4,740,000
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg Commute
- 34 min
- Median Age
- 38.3
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 32.2x
- Annual Property Tax
- $8,505
Capital Gains Tax Calculator in Other California Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — San Francisco
What is the median home price in San Francisco, CA?
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,350,000 as of 2025–2026. This is above the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in San Francisco?
Median monthly rent in San Francisco is $3,498. That works out to $41,976/year, or 32% of the median household income — above the recommended 30% threshold.
Is San Francisco affordable?
San Francisco's cost of living index is 214 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $131,000/year and a median home price of $1,350,000, the price-to-income ratio is 10.3x. This makes homeownership a significant stretch for the typical San Francisco household.
What is the property tax rate in San Francisco?
The effective property tax rate in San Francisco is 0.63% of assessed value. On the median home of $1,350,000, that's roughly $8,505/year ($709/month).