San Francisco vs Sacramento: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 46% more expensive than Sacramento. Sacramento is 54% safer. San Francisco has more comfortable months (9 vs 7). San Francisco population: 826,079. Sacramento population: 536,449.
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 Sacramento
Sacramento is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 60 index points.
| Category | San Francisco | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 130 |
| Housing | $5,518/moIndex: 310 | $3,382/moIndex: 190 |
| Groceries | $484/moIndex: 118 | $435/moIndex: 106 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| 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 Sacramento
Sacramento is 54% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Sacramento earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Francisco
California
Sacramento
California
| Metric | San Francisco | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 49.5/1K | 23/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 450.0 | 414.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 1886.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 8.4 |
| Assault Rate | 288.5 | 276.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.0 | 65.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 699.8 | 279.7 |
| Theft Rate | 3660.4 | 1539.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1091.0 | 297.0 |
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 Sacramento.
Climate: San Francisco vs Sacramento
San Francisco Climate Overview
Sacramento Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.1°F | 74.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 51°F | 50°F |
| Annual Rain | 22.2" | 19.6" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 7 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Sacramento is 23°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but Sacramento is 7°F colder in winter than San Francisco. San Francisco has more comfortable weather months (9 vs 7).
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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