CaliforniaPop. 830,235Large cities
Is San Francisco a Good Place to Live? San Francisco, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Francisco ranks #213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 37 large cities and #16 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($140,970, #2 of 37) and low poverty (11.2%, #5 of 37), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #37 of 37) and expensive homes ($1,394,500, #37 of 37).
San Francisco by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Francisco's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Francisco?
San Francisco's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,476/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,424,767, 86% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $1,424,767#1161 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $4,682/mo#1114 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $1,394,500#1289 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $2,476/mo#1242 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 9.9x#1281 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Francisco housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Francisco is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Francisco safe?
San Francisco recorded 486 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above California's 433. That ranks #823 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Francisco Police Department. Property crime runs 2,960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 486#823 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,960#947 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Francisco?
The median household in San Francisco earns $140,970, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $140,970#64 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Francisco?
The median resident of San Francisco is 40 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 60.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 40 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 60.3%#123 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 38.2% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Francisco's schools and health?
San Francisco's 113 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $21,910 spent per pupil. 17.5% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 21.6#1000 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $21,910#123 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 17.5%#5 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 14.5%#202 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 53,908 students are enrolled in San Francisco's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Francisco?
The average commute in San Francisco is 30.4 minutes (California 29.7); 18.7% of workers take transit and 31% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Francisco scores 16 of 20 (most walkable), #2 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 60.6°F and winters 53°F, with 22.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Francisco | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 30.4 min#1130 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 11.3%#1124 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 28.6% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 18.7% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 9.4% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.3% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 31% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 16#2 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.8 | 46.6 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 60.4 | 47.9 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 62.1 | 48.9 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 63 | 49.7 | 1.6 |
| May | 64.1 | 51.4 | 0.7 |
| Jun | 66.5 | 53 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 66.3 | 54.4 | 0 |
| Aug | 67.9 | 55.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 70.2 | 55.6 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 69.8 | 54.4 | 0.9 |
| Nov | 63.7 | 50.7 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 47 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco Downtown.
| Measure | San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 57.7°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 60.6°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 53°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 22.9 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco Downtown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Francisco?
San Francisco County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Francisco County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.35% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
| Measure | San Francisco | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.35%#1146 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Francisco County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Francisco County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.2% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 71% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0035% | 65% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Francisco compare with similar-size cities?
San Francisco is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #1 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 830,235.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #213 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 | 30.4 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #745 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 | 27.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Francisco compare with the rest of California?
San Francisco ranks #16 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.1 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 41% above the California median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 86% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | … #12 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 |
| San Ramon, CAPop. 85,993 | #13 | 64.5 | $196,161 | $2,968/mo | 92 |
| Fremont, CAPop. 228,295 | #14 | 64.2 | $181,506 | $2,933/mo | 106 |
| El Dorado Hills, CAPop. 51,026 | #15 | 64.2 | $165,349 | $2,552/mo | no data |
| San Francisco, CAPop. 830,235 | #16 | 64.1 | $140,970 | $2,476/mo | 486 |
| Laguna Niguel, CAPop. 64,139 | #17 | 64.1 | $140,452 | $2,903/mo | 114 |
| Redwood City, CAPop. 82,447 | #18 | 64.0 | $157,814 | $2,968/mo | 369 |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #19 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #20 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Francisco among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is San Francisco's score calculated?
San Francisco scores 64.1 out of 100, #213 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Francisco. Similar-size median 50.4.
80.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Francisco's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
54.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Francisco. Similar-size median 52.4.
81.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Francisco's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
59.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Francisco's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
20.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Francisco. Similar-size median 43.4.
80.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Francisco. Similar-size median 40.4.
46.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Francisco. Similar-size median 56.6.
81.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Francisco's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
78.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
41.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Francisco's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Francisco has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Francisco
Is San Francisco, CA a good place to live?
San Francisco ranks #213 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 37 large cities and #16 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($140,970, #2 of 37) and low poverty (11.2%, #5 of 37), and trails on high living costs (115.6, #37 of 37) and expensive homes ($1,394,500, #37 of 37).
What is the cost of living in San Francisco?
San Francisco's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,476/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,424,767, 86% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Francisco?
San Francisco recorded 486 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 12% above California's 433. That ranks #823 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Francisco Police Department. Property crime runs 2,960 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in San Francisco?
The median household in San Francisco earns $140,970, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in San Francisco?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,476/mo (Census), #1242 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $4,682/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Francisco?
The typical home value in San Francisco is $1,424,767, up 13.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,394,500.
How are the public schools in San Francisco?
San Francisco's 113 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (California 87%), with 21.6 students per teacher and $21,910 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Francisco?
The average commute is 30.4 minutes, #1130 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 11.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Francisco?
San Francisco averages 57.7°F over the year, 60.6°F in summer and 53°F in winter, with 22.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Francisco walkable?
San Francisco scores 16 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #2 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Francisco at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Francisco County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.35% of building value, higher than 91% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Francisco?
San Francisco County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Francisco?
San Francisco has 830,235 residents. The median resident of San Francisco is 40 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 60.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #123 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Francisco compare with the rest of California?
San Francisco ranks #16 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 64.1 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 41% above the California median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 86% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Francisco?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Francisco's population of 830,235 are Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Fort Worth, TX (#745 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). San Francisco is #213.