San Francisco vs Santa Monica: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,055▲ | $63,501 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.64▲ | $30.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,979▲ | $39,382 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,094▲ | $47,515 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,298▲ | $81,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,494▲ | $98,428 |
| Total Employed | 2,100▲ | 20 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Monica.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Monica is $8,554 (13.47%). San Francisco's median is +34.38% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $79,515,Santa Monica spans $59,046. 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 ($62,324 effective) pays 11.00% more than Santa Monica ($56,146 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 ($72,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,494)
- ✓Larger job market (2,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,324)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Monica if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in San Francisco grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -40.5% growth in Santa Monica over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$59,350 (2019) → $70,990 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$105,166 (2024) → $62,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: San Francisco or Santa Monica?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Monica?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Monica as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in San Francisco vs Santa Monica?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov