San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,620▲ | $87,136 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.63▲ | $41.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,336▲ | $57,102 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,138▲ | $74,105 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,338▲ | $111,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,760▲ | $139,078 |
| Total Employed | 25,170▲ | 740 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $26,484 (30.39%). San Francisco's median is +32.33% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $109,424,Santa Cruz spans $81,976. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($98,276 effective) pays 23.95% more than Santa Cruz ($79,290 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,620/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,760)
- ✓Larger job market (25,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,276)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in San Francisco grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$84,680 (2019) → $110,730 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$75,420 (2019) → $84,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov