San Francisco vs San Diego: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 27% more expensive than San Diego. San Diego is 57% safer. San Diego has more comfortable months (12 vs 9). San Francisco population: 826,079. San Diego population: 1,406,106.
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 San Diego
San Diego is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 40 index points.
| Category | San Francisco | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 150 |
| Housing | $5,518/moIndex: 310 | $4,272/moIndex: 240 |
| Groceries | $484/moIndex: 118 | $439/moIndex: 107 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $392/moIndex: 112 |
| Healthcare | $368/moIndex: 115 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: San Francisco vs San Diego
San Diego is 57% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. San Diego earns a B- safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Francisco
California
San Diego
California
| Metric | San Francisco | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 49.5/1K | 21.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 450.0 | 350.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 1800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Assault Rate | 288.5 | 243.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.0 | 75.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 699.8 | 256.4 |
| Theft Rate | 3660.4 | 1479.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1091.0 | 338.9 |
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 47 in San Diego.
Climate: San Francisco vs San Diego
San Francisco Climate Overview
San Diego Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.1°F | 70.7°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 51°F | 57.1°F |
| Annual Rain | 22.2" | 10.8" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 12 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
San Diego is 7°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but winter temperatures are comparable. San Francisco is wetter with 22" of annual rain compared to 11". San Diego 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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