New York vs San Francisco: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
New York is 60% safer. San Francisco has more comfortable months (9 vs 6). New York population: 8,584,629. 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: New York vs San Francisco
| Category | New York | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 190 |
| Housing | $5,340/moIndex: 300 | $5,518/moIndex: 310 |
| Groceries | $472/moIndex: 115 | $484/moIndex: 118 |
| Transportation | $438/moIndex: 125 | $420/moIndex: 120 |
| Healthcare | $358/moIndex: 112 | $368/moIndex: 115 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $220/moIndex: 100 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: New York vs San Francisco
New York is 60% safer overall, with a crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. New York earns a B- safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
New York
New York
San Francisco
California
| Metric | New York | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 19.8/1K | 49.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 380.0 | 450.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1600.0 | 4500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 5.8 | 6.8 |
| Assault Rate | 307.2 | 288.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.0 | 61.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.6 | 699.8 |
| Theft Rate | 1317.5 | 3660.4 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 222.6 | 1091.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In New York, you have a 1 in 51 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 20 in San Francisco.
Climate: New York vs San Francisco
New York Climate Overview
San Francisco Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | New York | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 62.7°F | 64.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 47.3°F | 51°F |
| Annual Rain | 49.0" | 22.2" |
| Annual Snow | 24.8" | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 9 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 0 |
New York is 14°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but New York is 20°F colder in winter than San Francisco. New York gets 25 inches of snow annually, while San Francisco rarely sees any. New York is wetter with 49" of annual rain compared to 22". San Francisco has more comfortable weather months (9 vs 6).
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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