Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 15% more expensive than Los Angeles. Los Angeles is 35% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 9). Los Angeles population: 3,869,089. San Francisco population: 826,079.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
Los Angeles is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 165 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.
| Category | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 165 | 190 |
| Housing | $4,806/moIndex: 270 | $5,518/moIndex: 310 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $484/moIndex: 118 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $420/moIndex: 120 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $368/moIndex: 115 |
| Utilities | $209/moIndex: 95 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
Los Angeles is 35% safer overall, with a crime rate of 32 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Los Angeles earns a C- safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Los Angeles
California
San Francisco
California
| Metric | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 32/1K | 49.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 700.0 | 450.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2500.0 | 4500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 10.2 | 6.8 |
| Assault Rate | 490.2 | 288.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 140.9 | 61.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 327.5 | 699.8 |
| Theft Rate | 1736.2 | 3660.4 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 273.1 | 1091.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Los Angeles, you have a 1 in 31 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 20 in San Francisco.
Climate: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
Los Angeles Climate Overview
San Francisco Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 75°F | 64.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 56.7°F | 51°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 22.2" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 12 | 9 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Los Angeles is 14°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but winter temperatures are comparable. San Francisco is wetter with 22" of annual rain compared to 15". Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 9).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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