San Francisco vs San Jose: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 6% more expensive than San Jose. San Jose is 48% safer. San Francisco has more comfortable months (9 vs 9). San Francisco population: 826,079. San Jose population: 989,814.
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 Jose
San Jose is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 180 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.
| Category | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 180 |
| Housing | $5,518/moIndex: 310 | $5,251/moIndex: 295 |
| Groceries | $484/moIndex: 118 | $472/moIndex: 115 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $403/moIndex: 115 |
| Healthcare | $368/moIndex: 115 | $358/moIndex: 112 |
| 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 Jose
San Jose is 48% safer overall, with a crime rate of 25.9 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. San Jose earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Francisco
California
San Jose
California
| Metric | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 49.5/1K | 25.9/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 450.0 | 498.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 2088.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 8.5 |
| Assault Rate | 288.5 | 310.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.0 | 102.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 699.8 | 233.4 |
| Theft Rate | 3660.4 | 1440.1 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1091.0 | 394.7 |
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 39 in San Jose.
Climate: San Francisco vs San Jose
San Francisco Climate Overview
San Jose Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.1°F | 70.9°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 51°F | 49.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 22.2" | 14.7" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 9 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
San Jose is 12°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but San Jose is 4°F colder in winter than San Francisco. San Francisco is wetter with 22" of annual rain compared to 15".
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco cheaper than San Jose?
Is San Francisco safer than San Jose?
Which city has better weather, San Francisco or San Jose?
Should I move to San Francisco or San Jose?
How big is San Francisco compared to San Jose?
Is housing cheaper in San Francisco or San Jose?
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.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities