Living in San Francisco vs. Living in New York City: A Comprehensive Comparison

San Francisco and New York City are two of the most iconic cities in the United States. Each city is known for its distinct personality, attractions, and opportunities. But when it comes to living in these bustling urban centers, how do they stack up against each other? In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of life in San Francisco vs. life in New York City, exploring factors such as size, access to green spaces, cost of living, safety, and more.

Which city is bigger: New York City or San Francisco?

New York City is significantly larger than San Francisco in terms of both population and land area. With a population of over 8.3 million people, NYC is the most populous city in the United States. San Francisco has a population of around 883,000. Additionally, New York City covers an area of 468.9 square miles, while San Francisco spans only 46.9 square miles.

Green spaces and parks

Both cities are known for their iconic parks. New York City boasts the famous Central Park, which covers 843 acres of green space in the heart of Manhattan. In San Francisco, Golden Gate Park spans 1,017 acres, offering a variety of recreational activities and attractions. While both cities have ample parks and green spaces, San Francisco tends to have a more relaxed and accessible outdoor atmosphere, thanks to its smaller size and proximity to nature.

New York City is home to over 1,700 parks, including the famous Central Park, which spans 843 acres (source: NYC Parks: https://www.nycgovparks.org/about). Central Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including biking, running, bird-watching, and boating. Other notable parks in New York City include Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Riverside Park in Manhattan, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens.

San Francisco has over 220 city parks covering more than 12% of the city’s land area (source: San Francisco Recreation and Parks: https://sfrecpark.org/about/). Golden Gate Park, which is even larger than Central Park at 1,017 acres, features various attractions, including the Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. Other popular parks in San Francisco include the Presidio, Crissy Field, and Alamo Square Park.

Cost of living – SF vs NY

Living in either San Francisco or New York City can be expensive. However, San Francisco is generally considered to have a higher cost of living. This is primarily due to the city’s housing market, which has seen skyrocketing rent and home prices in recent years. Although NYC is also known for high rent costs, it offers a wider range of housing options and neighborhoods, which can make it more affordable overall.

Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of the cost of living in San Francisco and New York City, complemented by data and official sources.

Housing

Housing is often the most significant expense in both cities. San Francisco has a higher median rent and home prices compared to New York City. As of September 2021, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is $2,800, while New York City’s median rent is $2,600 (source: Zumper National Rent Report: https://www.zumper.com/blog/rental-price-data/).

When it comes to home prices, the median home value in San Francisco is $1.4 million, while New York City’s median home value is around $668,000 (source: Zillow Home Value Index, as of September 2021: https://www.zillow.com/research/data/).

Transportation

Public transportation in both cities is relatively affordable, with a slight difference in costs. A monthly MTA pass in New York City costs $127, while a Muni monthly pass in San Francisco costs $98 (source: MTA: http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#unlimited and SFMTA: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/fares).

However, the overall transportation costs in San Francisco are generally higher due to greater reliance on cars and rideshare services. Gasoline prices and car insurance rates are also higher in San Francisco compared to New York City (source: GasBuddy: https://www.gasbuddy.com/ and CarInsurance.com: https://www.carinsurance.com/calculators/average-car-insurance-rates.aspx).

Food

Grocery and restaurant costs are higher in San Francisco compared to New York City. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), San Francisco’s grocery costs are 29.5% higher than the national average, while New York City’s are 27.6% higher (source: C2ER Cost of Living Index, Q2 2021: https://coli.org/). Eating out at restaurants is also more expensive in San Francisco, with an average meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around $80, compared to $75 in New York City (source: Numbeo: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/).

Healthcare

Healthcare costs are slightly higher in San Francisco than in New York City. According to a study by Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), healthcare prices in San Francisco are 3% higher than the national median, while New York City’s prices are just 1% higher (source: HCCI Health Care Cost and Utilization Report 2019: https://www.healthcostinstitute.org/research/annual-reports/entry/2019-health-care-cost-and-utilization-report).

Crime statistics and safety: San Francisco vs NY?

While both cities have their share of crime, New York City has seen a significant decline in crime rates over the past few decades, making it one of the safest large cities in the United States. San Francisco, on the other hand, has experienced an increase in property crime rates. Overall, New York City is generally considered to be safer than San Francisco.

Overall Crime Rates

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, New York City had a lower overall crime rate compared to San Francisco in 2019. In New York City, there were 2,267.5 reported incidents per 100,000 residents, while in San Francisco, the number was 6,168.9 incidents per 100,000 residents (source: FBI 2019 UCR Data: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-6).

Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime rates are an essential aspect of assessing a city’s safety. In 2019, the violent crime rate in San Francisco was 715.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, while in New York City, the violent crime rate was 538.9 incidents per 100,000 residents (source: FBI 2019 UCR Data: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-6). This data indicates that New York City had a lower violent crime rate than San Francisco.

Property Crime Rates

Property crime rates, which include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft, are another crucial factor in evaluating city safety. According to the FBI’s 2019 UCR data, San Francisco had a property crime rate of 5,453.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, while New York City had a property crime rate of 1,728.6 incidents per 100,000 residents (source: FBI 2019 UCR Data: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-6). This data indicates that New York City had a significantly lower property crime rate than San Francisco.

Proximity to nature (weekend escapes in general)

San Francisco has the edge when it comes to access to nature and weekend escapes. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with destinations such as Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Napa Valley within a short drive. New York City offers some weekend getaways, such as the Hamptons or the Hudson Valley, but the options are not as diverse or close as those around San Francisco.

San Francisco is widely recognized for its proximity to nature and outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by diverse landscapes, including the Pacific Ocean to the west, the San Francisco Bay to the east, and the Marin Headlands to the north. Muir Woods National Monument, a pristine redwood forest, is just 16 miles north of the city (source: National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm). Additionally, Point Reyes National Seashore, a vast, rugged coastline with scenic trails and beaches, is about 35 miles away (source: National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm).

New York City is also relatively close to nature, with several state parks, forests, and beaches within a two-hour drive. The Catskill Mountains, located approximately 100 miles north of the city, offer hiking, fishing, and skiing opportunities (source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5265.html). The Hudson Valley, another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, is home to scenic parks, historic sites, and charming towns.

Job opportunities + median household income

Both cities are known for their thriving job markets and high median household incomes. However, San Francisco is the heart of the tech industry, with Silicon Valley nearby, and has a higher median household income at $123,859 compared to New York City’s $68,370. That being said, New York City is a global financial center that offers more diverse job opportunities in fields such as finance, media, and fashion.

Industries and Job Opportunities

New York City is a global financial hub, with Wall Street being the center of the financial industry. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Verizon (source: Fortune: https://fortune.com/fortune500/2021/search/?hqcity=New%20York). Besides finance, New York City has thriving industries in media, fashion, healthcare, and technology.

Major NY-based companies

1. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $119.54 billion
2. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Industry: Telecommunications 2020 Revenue: $128.29 billion
3. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $44.56 billion
4. Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Industry: Pharmaceuticals 2020 Revenue: $41.91 billion
5. Morgan Stanley (MS) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $48.20 billion
6. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Industry: Technology 2020 Revenue: $73.62 billion
7. Citigroup Inc. (C) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $74.30 billion
8. American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Industry: Insurance 2020 Revenue: $41.77 billion
9. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BK) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $15.82 billion
10. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) Industry: Personal Care Products 2020 Revenue: $14.29 billion

San Francisco is known for its proximity to Silicon Valley, the heart of the technology industry in the United States. The city has a strong presence of technology companies, such as Salesforce, Twitter, and Uber (source: San Francisco Center for Economic Development: https://sfced.org/key-industries/). Other prominent industries in San Francisco include biotechnology, tourism, and green energy.

Major San Francisco-based companies

1. Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $72.34 billion
2. Salesforce.com, Inc. (CRM) Industry: Software and Technology 2020 Revenue: $21.25 billion
3. McKesson Corporation (MCK) Industry: Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals 2020 Revenue: $231.05 billion
4. Visa Inc. (V) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $21.85 billion
5. Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) Industry: Technology and Transportation 2020 Revenue: $11.14 billion
6. Gap Inc. (GPS) Industry: Retail and Fashion 2020 Revenue: $13.80 billion
7. Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) Industry: Financial Services 2020 Revenue: $10.53 billion
8. Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Industry: Retail and Fashion 2020 Revenue: $4.45 billion
9. Fitbit, Inc. (FIT) Industry: Technology and Wearables 2020 Revenue: $1.42 billion (2019 figure as the company was acquired by Google in 2021)
10. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) Industry: Retail and Home Furnishings 2020 Revenue: $5.90 billion

Unemployment Rate

As of September 2021, the unemployment rate in New York City is 8.3%, while San Francisco’s unemployment rate is 5.3% (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ca_sanfrancisco_md.htm and https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ny_newyork_md.htm). It’s important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted unemployment rates, and the numbers may change as the economy recovers.

Median Household Income

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the median household income in San Francisco is $112,449, while the median household income in New York City is $68,259 (source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates: https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=median%20household%20income&tid=ACSST1Y2019.S1901&hidePreview=false).

Taxes

California and New York are both known for their high taxes, but California tends to have slightly higher state income tax rates. However, property taxes in San Francisco are generally lower than those in New York City. In terms of sales tax, New York City’s rate is 8.875%, while San Francisco’s is 8.5%.

Income Tax

Both California and New York have progressive state income tax systems, meaning the tax rate increases as your income rises. California has the highest state income tax rate in the United States, with a top marginal rate of 13.3% (source: California Franchise Tax Board: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/deductions/index.html). The income tax rates in California range from 1% to 13.3%, depending on your income bracket.

New York’s state income tax rates range from 4% to 8.82% (source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/tax_tables.htm). However, New York City residents also pay an additional city income tax, with rates ranging from 3.078% to 3.876% (source: NYC Department of Finance: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/taxes/personal-income-tax.page). This means that the combined state and city income tax rates for New York City residents range from 7.078% to 12.696%.

Property Tax

Property taxes in San Francisco are generally lower than those in New York City. The average property tax rate in San Francisco is approximately 0.66% of the assessed value (source: San Francisco County Assessor-Recorder: https://sfgov.org/assessor/property-tax-faqs).

In comparison, the property tax rate in New York City varies depending on the property’s classification and assessed value. The average effective property tax rate in New York City is approximately 0.90% (source: New York City Department of Finance: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/finance/taxes/property-tax-rates.page).

Sales Tax

Sales tax is another factor to consider when comparing the tax burden in San Francisco and New York City. The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Francisco is 8.5% (source: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/rates.aspx).

In New York City, the combined state and local sales tax rate is 8.875% (source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance: https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/rates.htm).

Diversity

Both San Francisco and New York City are known for their cultural diversity, but New York City takes the lead in this category. With over 800 languages spoken and a rich tapestry of cultures represented, NYC is a melting pot of ethnicities, religions, and traditions. San Francisco is also diverse, with a strong Asian influence and a long-standing LGBTQ+ community, but it doesn’t quite match the level of cultural variety found in New York City.

Weather

Weather can be a determining factor when choosing between San Francisco and New York City. San Francisco is known for its mild, Mediterranean-like climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F in the winter or exceeding 75°F in the summer. The famous fog, known as Karl the Fog, often blankets the city, giving it a unique and mysterious atmosphere.

San Francisco Weather

Month	Avg. Precipitation (inches)	Avg. Humidity (%)	Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours
January	4.50	74	160
February	4.46	72	186
March	3.26	71	240
April	1.46	69	270
May	0.70	67	310
June	0.16	66	330
July	0.00	67	340
August	0.06	69	310
September	0.21	71	270
October	1.12	73	230
November	3.16	74	170
December	4.56	75	150

NY Weather

Month	Avg. Precipitation (inches)	Avg. Humidity (%)	Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours
January	3.65	61	162
February	3.09	60	163
March	4.36	58	212
April	4.50	58	225
May	4.19	62	256
June	4.41	65	257
July	4.60	65	268
August	4.44	65	268
September	4.28	64	219
October	4.40	64	211
November	4.02	62	151
December	4.00	63	139

New York City, on the other hand, experiences a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers can be hot and humid. Spring and fall offer more temperate conditions, with beautiful foliage in the fall and blooming flowers in the spring. If you prefer a more stable climate, San Francisco may be the better choice, but if you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, New York City is the way to go.

Food Scene

Both cities boast impressive culinary scenes, with diverse offerings and world-class dining options. New York City is renowned for its abundance of international cuisine, ranging from cheap street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city’s diverse population has given rise to a culinary landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

San Francisco is known for its farm-to-table ethos and focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The city is also famous for its seafood and has a strong Asian influence, with a wealth of exceptional Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants. While both cities offer outstanding food options, New York City’s sheer variety and depth of culinary experiences give it the edge in this category.

Public Transportation

When it comes to public transportation, New York City is the clear winner. The city’s extensive subway system, supplemented by buses and ferries, makes it easy to get around without a car. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates 24/7, providing a reliable and efficient means of navigating the city.

San Francisco’s public transportation system, consisting of buses, light rail, cable cars, and ferries, is less comprehensive than New York City’s. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects San Francisco with surrounding cities but has limited reach within the city itself. While public transportation is available, it is not as extensive or efficient as New York City’s, and many residents in San Francisco rely on cars or ridesharing services to get around.

Final thoughts on living in San Francisco vs. New York City

Ultimately, the choice between living in San Francisco and New York City will depend on personal preferences and priorities. San Francisco offers a more relaxed lifestyle, with a mild climate, proximity to nature, and a strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced food. New York City, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis with unmatched cultural diversity, a world-class food scene, and an extensive public transportation system.

Both cities have their own unique charm and opportunities, and the decision will come down to which factors are most important to you. Regardless of which city you choose, you’ll be living in one of the most iconic and dynamic urban centers in the United States.