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San Francisco vs Oakland: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

San Francisco is 12% more expensive than Oakland. Oakland is 45% safer. San Francisco population: 826,079. Oakland population: 440,838.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingOakland
SafetyOakland
HousingOakland

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

Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Oakland

Oakland is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 170 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.

CategorySan FranciscoOakland
Overall Index190170
Housing$5,518/moIndex: 310$4,806/moIndex: 270
Groceries$484/moIndex: 118$459/moIndex: 112
Transportation$420/moIndex: 120$413/moIndex: 118
Healthcare$368/moIndex: 115$352/moIndex: 110
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: San Francisco vs Oakland

Oakland is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Oakland 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

Oakland

California

Overall GradeC
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate27.3/1K
TrendImproving
MetricSan FranciscoOakland
Overall Crime Rate49.5/1K27.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate450.0483.2
Property Crime Rate4500.02243.2
Murder Rate6.86.1
Assault Rate288.5332.4
Robbery Rate61.0122.9
Burglary Rate699.8242.5
Theft Rate3660.41707.0
Vehicle Theft Rate1091.0538.5

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 37 in Oakland.

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 Oakland?
Oakland is 12% more affordable than San Francisco, with a cost of living index of 170 vs 190 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $5,518/mo in San Francisco vs $4,806/mo in Oakland.
Is San Francisco safer than Oakland?
Oakland is 45% safer overall, with a crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Oakland earns a C safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Francisco or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland is safer (C grade). Oakland is more affordable (index 170 vs 190). San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Oakland has 440,838. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Francisco compared to Oakland?
San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Oakland has 440,838. San Francisco is 87% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Francisco or Oakland?
Housing is cheaper in Oakland. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Francisco $5,518/mo vs Oakland $4,806/mo. That's based on a housing index of 310 vs 270 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
San Francisco Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C
Oakland 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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