San Francisco vs Seattle: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
San Francisco is 27% more expensive than Seattle. San Francisco is 8% safer. San Francisco has more comfortable months (9 vs 5). San Francisco population: 826,079. Seattle population: 784,777.
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 Seattle
Seattle 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 | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 150 |
| Housing | $5,518/moIndex: 310 | $4,272/moIndex: 240 |
| Groceries | $484/moIndex: 118 | $451/moIndex: 110 |
| Transportation | $420/moIndex: 120 | $378/moIndex: 108 |
| Healthcare | $368/moIndex: 115 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: San Francisco vs Seattle
San Francisco is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 49.5 per 1,000 residents vs Seattle's 54. San Francisco earns a F safety grade compared to Seattle's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Francisco
California
Seattle
Washington
| Metric | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 49.5/1K | 54/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 450.0 | 600.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4500.0 | 4800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.8 | 8.9 |
| Assault Rate | 288.5 | 496.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 61.0 | 84.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 699.8 | 760.1 |
| Theft Rate | 3660.4 | 3673.8 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 1091.0 | 541.8 |
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 19 in Seattle.
Climate: San Francisco vs Seattle
San Francisco Climate Overview
Seattle Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.1°F | 60.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 51°F | 45.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 22.2" | 37.0" |
| Annual Snow | None | 4.0" |
| Comfortable Months | 9 | 5 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Seattle is 5°F warmer in summer than San Francisco, but Seattle is 11°F colder in winter than San Francisco. Seattle gets 4 inches of snow annually, while San Francisco rarely sees any. Seattle is wetter with 37" of annual rain compared to 22". San Francisco has more comfortable weather months (9 vs 5).
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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