New York or San Francisco

Based on 2026 cost of living data, San Francisco is more affordable than New York. New York has a cost rating of 10/100, while San Francisco has a cost rating of 10/100.

In terms of safety, New York ranks higher with a safety score of 75/100, compared to San Francisco at 60/100. New York's safety score is 75/100 and San Francisco's safety score is 60/100.

Average rent in New York is typically $4,000+ per month, whereas typical rent in San Francisco averages $3,200+ per month.

For New York, the visa process is rated as: Hard (US visa lottery and specialty visas are highly competitive.). For San Francisco, the process is rated as: Hard (Standard US H1B/L1 paths apply; extremely competitive.).