San Francisco, United States 🇺🇸
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Francisco is a major city in California known for its iconic landmarks and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 880,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD; major banks include Wells Fargo and Bank of America. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; San Francisco has high-quality tap water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment types include cash, credit/debit cards; services like Venmo and PayPal are widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, VRBO, and month-to-month rentals through local agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and Sonder for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel and USA Hostels San Francisco. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork (multiple locations) is well-known for its community and facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Blue Bottle Coffee is a favorite among remote workers for its ambiance and quality coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com offers numerous tech and entrepreneur-related events throughout the city. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The San Francisco Expat Meetup group hosts regular social events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are the most popular ride-sharing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Lime and Bird offer electric scooter rentals, while local bike share programs are also available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ocean Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and surfing, about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Alaska Airlines serves several regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and American Airlines provide extensive international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to I-80 and I-280 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transbay Terminal serves as the main transit hub in the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Muni passes (day and monthly) are available for bus and tram services. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | BART connects San Francisco to nearby cities like Oakland and Berkeley. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | UCSF Medical Center is renowned for its comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree offers various classes and workshops across multiple locations. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness and Gold's Gym have several locations throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available in most neighborhoods; Suds on 17th is a popular option. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DoorDash and UberEats are the main food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dungeness crab, especially popular during the winter months. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Chili offers an extensive vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bi-Rite Creamery is famous for its ice cream and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Ferry Building Marketplace features local vendors with reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon operates in the area and offers fast shipping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Amazon Fresh provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Mission District is known for its vibrant nightlife and dining scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cellarmaker Brewing Co. is a popular local craft brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Barrel Room offers an excellent selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Off the Grid food truck events take place at different locations weekly. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Chinatown offers authentic Chinese cuisine, including dumplings and Peking duck. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are essential stops. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a major cultural attraction. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square is a famous historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Grace Cathedral is an iconic place of worship in San Francisco. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The San Francisco Pride Parade in June is one of the largest LGBTQ+ parades in the world. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Mission District is known for its rich Latino culture and vibrant street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Orpheum Theatre hosts various Broadway shows and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is held weekly and features local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Fillmore is a historic venue known for its music scene. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Mission District is filled with impressive murals and street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The San Francisco Cooking School offers various culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Contemporary Jewish Museum exhibits diverse contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ferry Building is a historic landmark and marketplace. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Golden Gate Park features cultural and historical significance for the city. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Muir Woods National Monument, featuring stunning redwoods, is nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Point Reyes National Seashore offers beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Embarcadero Waterfront offers scenic paths for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Twin Peaks provides breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Crissy Field is popular for birdwatching and enjoying views of the Golden Gate Bridge. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ocean Beach has designated bonfire pits available for public use. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and UPS have locations throughout the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit provides device repair services and support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis at The Sports Basement is popular among enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | San Francisco Language School offers a variety of language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | San Francisco Public Library is a great place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bayview Opera House serves as a cultural and community hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | GameStop has several locations for gaming and retail. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The San Pablo Lytton Casino is a popular local option. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $480,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $360,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $900,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,440,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 8.84% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7% for individuals and 0% for corporations. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Global taxation basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 13.3% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard sales tax rate is 8.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, U.S. has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1.19% of assessed property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Fee varies based on property price, from 0.5% to 2.5%. |