San Francisco vs Irvine: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 23% more expensive than Irvine. Irvine is 77% safer. Irvine has more comfortable months (12 vs 9). San Francisco population: 826,079. Irvine population: 318,764.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Irvine
Irvine is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 155 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 35 index points.
| Category | San Francisco | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 155 |
| Housing | $5,518/moIndex: 310 | $4,450/moIndex: 250 |
| Groceries | $484/moIndex: 118 | $431/moIndex: 105 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $385/moIndex: 110 |
| Healthcare | $368/moIndex: 115 | $336/moIndex: 105 |
| 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 Irvine
Irvine is 77% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Francisco
California
Irvine
California
| Metric | San Francisco | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 49.5/1K | 11.6/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 450.0 | 60.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 1100.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 0.9 |
| Assault Rate | 288.5 | 42.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.0 | 13.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 699.8 | 172.1 |
| Theft Rate | 3660.4 | 730.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1091.0 | 262.4 |
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 86 in Irvine.
Climate: San Francisco vs Irvine
San Francisco Climate Overview
Irvine Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.1°F | 74.6°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 51°F | 55.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 22.2" | 12.8" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 12 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Irvine is 13°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but winter temperatures are comparable. San Francisco is wetter with 22" of annual rain compared to 13". Irvine 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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