Families in San Francisco earn a median $139,801 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $1,314,700. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $2,250,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
San Francisco by the numbers
- Median household income
- $139,801Higher than the California median of $100,149
- Typical home value
- $1,314,700Higher than the California median of $759,500
- Homes owned
- 37%64% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 16%371,841 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 18%Median age 40.5
- Veterans
- 15,9022.2% of adults
Living in San Francisco
San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California, with 827,526 residents and a median age of 40.5. That is older than the state as a whole, which is one reason final expense comes up a lot here.
The median household here earns $139,801, above the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 9.4 times that income, a heavy load for one paycheck to carry alone.
Compared with nearby Daly City (31 miles away), homes in San Francisco are worth more ($1,314,700 vs $1,111,300), and fewer households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is health care, at 9.1% of workers. Health care workers on shifts and contracts can lose group coverage between jobs.
Who works in San Francisco
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in San Francisco
64% of owned homes in San Francisco still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
16% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
18% of people in San Francisco are 65 or older, higher than the California rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 15,902 veterans live in San Francisco. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in San Francisco
About 152,800 people in San Francisco are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in California
California rules that protect you
- Free look: 10 days to return a new policy for a refund
- Grace period: 60 days if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to 80% of death benefit, up to $300,000 in death benefits
- Help line: California Department of Insurance, 1-800-927-4357
Common questions in San Francisco
How much life insurance do I need in San Francisco?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With San Francisco's median household income of $139,801 and a typical home value of $1,314,700, that lands near $2,250,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in San Francisco without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in California?
Yes. An agent must hold a California license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357.
What does a funeral cost near San Francisco?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in San Francisco must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in California?
The California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association protects California policyholders up to 80% of death benefit, up to $300,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near San Francisco
Daly City (31 mi), Richmond (40 mi), San Mateo (41 mi), Berkeley (41 mi), Oakland (44 mi), Vallejo (49 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for San Francisco, CA. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
