Is Daly City Still Affordable Compared to San Francisco?
Daly City Content Brooke Lau June 19, 2026
Daly City Content Brooke Lau June 19, 2026
For many Bay Area homebuyers, Daly City has long been considered a more affordable alternative to San Francisco. While home prices have increased significantly over the years, Daly City still offers buyers an opportunity to get more space and value for their money while remaining just minutes from the city.
But is Daly City still affordable in 2026? The answer depends on your budget, lifestyle, and what you're comparing it to.
Generally speaking, Daly City home prices remain lower than many San Francisco neighborhoods.
For a similar budget, buyers can often find:
While San Francisco buyers may be looking at condos or smaller homes at certain price points, Daly City buyers can sometimes find single-family homes that offer more square footage and functionality.
One of Daly City's biggest advantages is value.
Many buyers moving from San Francisco are surprised by how much more they can get in Daly City, including:
For families and first-time buyers, this added space can be a major factor.
Affordability doesn't mean sacrificing convenience.
Daly City offers:
Many residents enjoy a shorter commute while paying less than they would for a comparable home in San Francisco.
Daly City remains popular because it offers a balance of affordability, location, and homeownership opportunities.
Buyers are often attracted by:
While Daly City is often more affordable than San Francisco, it's important to remember that affordability is relative.
Buyers should still account for:
Additionally, some Daly City neighborhoods can be just as competitive as parts of San Francisco, especially for well-maintained single-family homes.
Daly City may not be the bargain it once was, but it continues to offer better value than many San Francisco neighborhoods. For buyers who want more space, convenient access to the city, and the opportunity to own a single-family home, Daly City remains one of the most attractive options in the Bay Area.
If you're comparing Daly City and San Francisco, the best choice ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, commute, and long-term goals. For many buyers, Daly City continues to strike the right balance between affordability and location.
— Brooke Lau, SF Bay Area Realtor®
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