How Much Do Financial Advisory Services Cost in San Francisco, CA? (2026 Guide)

Local pricing for 7 financial advisor services in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco, CA Range

$260 – $13,000 · 0% – 1.5%

Financial advisor pricing in 2026 splits across three models that often coexist within the same firm: (1) AUM fee — 0.5%–1.5% of investable assets per year, deducted from the portfolio quarterly, dropping at breakpoints above $1M; (2) flat-fee planning — $1,500–$5,000 for a one-time comprehensive plan, popular at fee-only RIAs (NAPFA, XY Planning Network, Garrett); (3) hourly — $200–$500/hr for project work or second opinions. Robo-advisors compress the AUM end to 0.25–0.30% (Vanguard PAS, Wealthfront, Betterment) but offer limited human planning. Fee-only fiduciary RIAs are the fastest-growing segment as consumers move away from commission-based broker-dealer reps. Investment_advisor (RIA-licensed) and financial_advisor pricing are structurally identical — the regulatory distinction does not drive a price differential. Dollar prices are adjusted for CA cost of living (+30% vs. national average); percentage-based fees (commissions, rates, contingency) are largely federal/national and shown unadjusted.

64

Verified Providers in San Francisco

4.6

Avg Rating

5,044

Total Reviews

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Financial Advisory Services Cost Breakdown in San Francisco, CA

7 services covered. Prices vary by provider — ranges shown.

ServiceRangeUnit
Assets Under Management (AUM) Fee
Account size: < $500K typically pays 1.0–1.5%; $1M–$5M pays 0.75–1.0%; $5M+ pays 0.25–0.75%
Source: Kitces Research 2025 + Bob Veres Inside Information fee survey
0.50% – 1.5%of portfolio per year (typically billed quarterly)
Flat-Fee Comprehensive Financial Plan
Plan complexity (single-income W-2 vs. business owner with equity comp + real estate)
Source: NAPFA 2025 fee benchmarking + XY Planning Network member data
$1,950 – $6,500per one-time comprehensive plan (3–6 month engagement)
Hourly Financial Consultation
Credentials: CFP $250–$400/hr median; CFA in planning context $300–$500/hr
Source: Garrett Planning Network 2025 directory + CFP Board comp survey
$260 – $650/hrper hour (CFP / CFA, project work or second opinion)
Retirement Planning Package
Monte Carlo simulation + withdrawal sequencing analysis
Source: Kitces Research 2025 + NAPFA fee benchmarking
$1,950 – $4,550per retirement-focused planning engagement
Estate Planning Coordination
Advisor coordinates with estate attorney — does not draft documents
Source: AICPA PFP Section + estate-planning-attorney market surveys
$1,300 – $3,900per coordinated engagement (advisor scope, attorney billed separately)
Tax-Loss Harvesting Service
Frequently bundled into AUM fee at no extra cost (Wealthfront, Betterment, most RIAs)
Source: Wealthfront / Betterment / Frec 2026 published fee schedules
0% – 0.40%of portfolio per year (often included in AUM fee)
Annual Advisor Retainer (Flat-Fee Ongoing)
Replaces AUM model — flat dollars regardless of portfolio size
Source: Kitces Research 2025 + XY Planning Network member fee data
$5,200 – $13,000per year (ongoing, AUM-independent)

Dollar prices adjusted for San Francisco, CA cost of living. Percentage-based fees (commissions, rates, contingency) are not adjusted. Actual costs vary by provider — get multiple quotes for accurate pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do financial advisory services cost in San Francisco, CA?

Financial Advisory Services in San Francisco, CA cover 7 distinct services. $260 – $13,000 · 0% – 1.5%. Per-service pricing breakdown is in the table below.

What affects financial advisor pricing the most?

Fee model (AUM / flat / hourly / retainer / hybrid); Portfolio size and breakpoint schedule (matters for AUM model); Credentials (CFP, CFA, ChFC) and specialty (equity comp, divorce, small-business); Service depth (investment-only vs. comprehensive wealth management); Custodian / platform fees layered separately (Schwab, Fidelity, LPL); Fiduciary status (RIA = always; broker-dealer rep = only on retirement accounts under DOL rule).

How do I find a reliable financial advisor near me in San Francisco?

Compare ratings, verify license and credentials, read recent reviews, and request a quote. Vemra's free directory lists verified financial advisory services in San Francisco, CA.

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