Cost Comparison 2025

San FranciscovsLuxembourg

United States
Luxembourg

Overall

💰

-19.0%

San Francisco is 19.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-31.8%

Housing is 31.8% lower

Dining

🍽️

-14.3%

Restaurants 14.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-21.9%

Food shopping 21.9% less

Comparing the cost of living between San Francisco, United States and Luxembourg, Luxembourg reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that San Francisco is more affordable than Luxembourg by approximately 19.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in San Francisco are higher than in Luxembourg by 47%. A one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco's city center costs around $3,800, while the same in Luxembourg is approximately €2,000.

Dining out in San Francisco is notably more expensive compared to Luxembourg. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $22 in San Francisco versus €20 in Luxembourg.

Public transportation in San Francisco is more expensive, with monthly passes at $98 compared to €0 in Luxembourg.

Grocery shopping in San Francisco is more expensive by approximately 28%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in San Francisco can expect to spend approximately $778 per month (excluding rent), while in Luxembourg, the same lifestyle would cost around €600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,724 monthly in San Francisco versus €2,101 in Luxembourg. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
San Francisco, United States
Luxembourg, Luxembourg

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$3,800
€2,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,800
€1,600
3BR City Center
$7,500
€3,800

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$22
€20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$130
€90
Cappuccino
$6
€4
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$8
€5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$2
€1
Bread (500g)
$4
€2
Eggs (12)
$5
€4
Cheese (1kg)
$18
€18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$3
€0
Monthly Pass
$98
€0
Taxi Start
$6
€5
Gasoline (1L)
$1
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$160
€200
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
€50
Mobile Minute
$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Luxembourg to San Francisco, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from San Francisco to Luxembourg requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

San Francisco

Cost of Living Index105
Rent Index110
Purchasing Power Index115

Luxembourg

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index120

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco more expensive than Luxembourg?

No, San Francisco is approximately 19.0% cheaper than Luxembourg. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in San Francisco compared to Luxembourg?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 84% of your Luxembourg salary when living in San Francisco. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Luxembourg, you'd need about $42,000 in San Francisco for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between San Francisco and Luxembourg?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 47%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Luxembourg offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, San Francisco provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider San Francisco if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Luxembourg for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for San Francisco vs Luxembourg?

In San Francisco, a single person needs approximately $3,578 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $7,724. In Luxembourg, these figures are €2,200 for singles and €4,901 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between San Francisco and Luxembourg in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Luxembourg to maintain your lifestyle from San Francisco

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers