There's no flat answer as to whether buying or renting a home makes more sense in San Francisco. That's because it all depends on your financial situation, lifestyle, and goals. Buying may help you build equity, but it comes at a cost. Not only are you responsible for a monthly mortgage payment, but you must also pay property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and utility costs among others. Renting may be more predictable as your monthly rent is generally fixed. The city does allow annual incremental rent increases, which means landlords can raise your rent every year, but only by a certain percentage.