Cost of Living in San Rafael, CA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,387 (excluding rent), and $4,479 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,301 (excluding rent), and $6,726 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$22.34 $22.34

$14.89 $14.89

$59.6 $59.6

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.9 $65.9

$50.7 $50.7

$122 $122

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11 $11

$10.05 $10.05

$15.07 $15.07

Cappuccino

$5.48 $5.48

$2.44 $2.44

$8.77 $8.77

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.73 $2.73

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44 $2.44

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.11 $6.11

$3.05 $3.05

$9.16 $9.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.54 $9.54

$7.03 $7.03

$12.05 $12.05

Milk (1 liter)

$1.29 $1.29

$1.09 $1.09

$1.38 $1.38

White Bread (500g)

$4.16 $4.16

$3.41 $3.41

$5.11 $5.11

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.88 $6.88

$2.24 $2.24

$10.11 $10.11

Eggs

$4.66 $4.66

$3.54 $3.54

$6.09 $6.09

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.25 $15.25

$8.78 $8.78

$26.34 $26.34

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.78 $12.78

$4.36 $4.36

$21.79 $21.79

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.24 $18.24

$13 $13

$19.5 $19.5

Apples (1kg)

$4.78 $4.78

$1.92 $1.92

$6.47 $6.47

Banana (1kg)

$2.79 $2.79

$1.71 $1.71

$4.29 $4.29

Oranges (1kg)

$6.03 $6.03

$2.42 $2.42

$8.78 $8.78

Tomato (1kg)

$8.58 $8.58

$6.64 $6.64

$8.86 $8.86

Potato (1kg)

$3.88 $3.88

$0.88 $0.88

$4.43 $4.43

Onion (1kg)

$3.97 $3.97

$0.79 $0.79

$6.79 $6.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.49 $2.49

$1.02 $1.02

$3.92 $3.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.95 $2.95

$1.02 $1.02

$4.36 $4.36

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.09 $11.09

Wine (Bottle)

$12.68 $12.68

$12.17 $12.17

$20.29 $20.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.72 $1.72

$3.02 $3.02

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.34 $3.34

$2.44 $2.44

$4.88 $4.88

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.52 $1.52

$1.02 $1.02

$2.03 $2.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$30.21 $30.21

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.41 $3.41

$2.93 $2.93

$4.88 $4.88

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.58 $1.58

$2.21 $2.21

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.66 $29.66

$26.83 $26.83

$35.57 $35.57

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25 $1.25

$1.14 $1.14

$1.31 $1.31

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$27.4K $27.4K

$24.3K $24.3K

$35.5K $35.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.9K $26.9K

$25.5K $25.5K

$29.8K $29.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$184 $184

$79.2 $79.2

$495 $495

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$51.8 $51.8

$28.28 $28.28

$111 $111

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$59.9 $59.9

$49.23 $49.23

$98.5 $98.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$249 $249

$17.41 $17.41

$249 $249

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$39.61 $39.61

Cinema Ticket

$14.73 $14.73

$13.2 $13.2

$17.27 $17.27

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,975 $1,975

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

$16.7K $16.7K

$27.1K $27.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.59 $40.59

$15.84 $15.84

$59.4 $59.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$37.96 $37.96

$31.56 $31.56

$44.37 $44.37

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$64.1 $64.1

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$123 $123

$89.7 $89.7

$174 $174

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,432 $3,432

$2,855 $2,855

$4,588 $4,588

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,801 $2,801

$2,274 $2,274

$3,757 $3,757

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,979 $3,979

$3,464 $3,464

$4,454 $4,454

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,275 $3,275

$2,942 $2,942

$4,903 $4,903

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,553 $7,553

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,354 $5,354

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,260 $5,260

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.32

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in San Rafael, CA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in San Rafael, CA, United States sits somewhere between urban core San Francisco and more inland suburbs. You will find value in diverse neighborhoods, from compact condo clusters to house-sharing options, but premium pockets near the waterfront and downtown can push prices higher. For visitors and remote workers, the mix often translates to balanced options: reliable services, good transit access, and opportunities to bargain on longer stays or less-touristy blocks. Groceries and casual dining are typically pricier than rural areas but still manageable with thoughtful planning. Tip: target neighborhoods with grocery stores, cafes, and transit stops within a short walk.

Daily life here blends a small-city feel with easy access to the Bay Area. Housing ranges from compact rentals to larger homes; consider short-term leases first to test neighborhoods, then lock in longer terms if the vibe fits. Food options span farmers markets, casual eateries, and well-stocked groceries. Transportation is flexible: a car is convenient, but buses, bike lanes, and walkable town centers help you cut costs. Co-working spaces and cafes support remote work. San Rafael living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so you’ll experience gentle shifts through the year. Tip: create a simple weekly plan to cluster errands and minimize trips.

Quality of life here comes from a balance of outdoor access, community events, and practical amenities. Build a budgeting framework that starts with housing and utilities, then allocates flexible funds for food, transit, and leisure. Neighborhood fit matters – downtown core offers nightlife and easy transit, while suburban pockets emphasize calmer streets and parks. For savings, consider longer-term rentals, shared housing, or joining a co-living or coworking plan that bundles services. Seasonality shows in outdoor markets, farmers markets, and waterfront activities; packing for shoulder seasons saves on utilities and keeps your schedule flexible. Tip: choose a base with quick routes to parks and transit to maintain flexibility.