Kabul
San Francisco

Kabul vs San Francisco — Cost of Living Comparison

Kabul
Afghanistan
VS
San Francisco
United States
Estimated average living costs are ~720% lower in Kabul

Kabul

$500

avg. monthly cost

Population

4,600,000

Safety

15/100

Quality

20/100

Cost
18
Safety
15
Life
20

San Francisco

$4,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

873,965

Safety

45/100

Quality

63/100

Cost
96
Safety
45
Life
63

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~720% lower in Kabul

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Kabul

$500

estimated per month

San Francisco

$4,100

estimated per month

Difference

+720.0%

Monthly savings

$3,600

Yearly savings

$43,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$615,000

+$540,000/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$200.00$3,200.00
+1500.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$100.00$2,400.00
+2300.0%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$450.00$6,200.00
+1277.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$250.00$4,000.00
+1500.0%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.00$25.00
+1150.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$12.00$105.00
+775.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$4.00$13.00
+225.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.80$1.40
+75.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.30$4.50
+1400.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.80$5.20
+550.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.20$5.00
+316.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.50$14.00
+300.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.70$5.80
+728.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.00$2.00
+100.0%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$10.00$98.00
+880.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.15$2.50
+1566.7%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.50$3.50
+600.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.30$2.15
+616.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.70$1.40
+100.0%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$40.00$185.00
+362.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$52.00
+940.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$45.00$70.00
+55.6%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$8.00$260.00
+3150.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$10.00$210.00
+2000.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$3.00$55.00
+1733.3%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$30.00$85.00
+183.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.00$17.50
+483.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.50$5.75
+283.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.50$9.00
+260.0%
ItemKabulSan FranciscoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$30.00$55.00
+83.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$15.00$43.00
+186.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$50.00$95.00
+90.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Kabul vs San Francisco

Is Kabul or San Francisco more expensive?
San Francisco is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 96 compared with 18 for Kabul.
How much cheaper is Kabul than San Francisco?
Living in Kabul is around 81% cheaper than San Francisco, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Kabul and San Francisco?
Kabul scores 18 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while San Francisco scores 96 — where New York City equals 100.