Millbrae, CA vs South San Francisco, CA

The cost of living difference between Millbrae, CA and South San Francisco, CA is dramatic. South San Francisco is 36.2% cheaper than Millbrae, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Millbrae has a cost index of 303 while South San Francisco sits at 222, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Millbrae is $3,401/month compared to $2,833/month in South San Francisco — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South San Francisco is more affordable at $1,160,100 median vs $1,929,700.

Median household income in Millbrae is $157,567 compared to $135,909 in South San Francisco (+15.9%). Millbrae does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Millbrae spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 25% in South San Francisco.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (58.7°F vs 58.7°F). South San Francisco receives more rainfall at 19.6" per year compared to 19.6" in Millbrae.