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San Francisco vs Fresno: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

San Francisco is 81% more expensive than Fresno. Fresno is 53% safer. San Francisco population: 826,079. Fresno population: 555,549.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFresno
SafetyFresno
HousingFresno

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Fresno

Fresno is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 85 index points.

CategorySan FranciscoFresno
Overall Index190105
Housing$5,518/moIndex: 310$2,314/moIndex: 130
Groceries$484/moIndex: 118$418/moIndex: 102
Transportation$420/moIndex: 120$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$368/moIndex: 115$326/moIndex: 102
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: San Francisco vs Fresno

Fresno is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

San Francisco

California

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate49.5/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Fresno

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.4/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSan FranciscoFresno
Overall Crime Rate49.5/1K23.4/1K
Violent Crime Rate450.0430.6
Property Crime Rate4500.01912.4
Murder Rate6.85.8
Assault Rate288.5333.7
Robbery Rate61.085.7
Burglary Rate699.8217.5
Theft Rate3660.41400.3
Vehicle Theft Rate1091.0324.2

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In San Francisco, you have a 1 in 20 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Fresno.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for San Francisco. A full comparison requires both cities.

San Francisco Climate Overview

Annual High64.1°F
Annual Low51°F
Annual Rain22.2"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months9
Best MonthSeptember
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Comfortable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Fresno?
Fresno is 81% more affordable than San Francisco, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 190 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $5,518/mo in San Francisco vs $2,314/mo in Fresno.
Is San Francisco safer than Fresno?
Fresno is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.4 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Fresno earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Francisco or Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno is safer (C+ grade). Fresno is more affordable (index 105 vs 190). San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Fresno has 555,549. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Francisco compared to Fresno?
San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Fresno has 555,549. San Francisco is 49% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Francisco or Fresno?
Housing is cheaper in Fresno. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Francisco $5,518/mo vs Fresno $2,314/mo. That's based on a housing index of 310 vs 130 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
San Francisco Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fresno Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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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