San Jose vs San Francisco: 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 Jose has more comfortable months (9 vs 9). San Jose population: 989,814. San Francisco population: 826,079.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: San Jose vs San Francisco
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 Jose | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 180 | 190 |
| Housing | $5,251/moIndex: 295 | $5,518/moIndex: 310 |
| Groceries | $472/moIndex: 115 | $484/moIndex: 118 |
| Transportation | $403/moIndex: 115 | $420/moIndex: 120 |
| Healthcare | $358/moIndex: 112 | $368/moIndex: 115 |
| Utilities | $216/moIndex: 98 | $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 Jose vs San Francisco
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 Jose
California
San Francisco
California
| Metric | San Jose | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 25.9/1K | 49.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 498.7 | 450.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2088.9 | 4500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 8.5 | 6.8 |
| Assault Rate | 310.2 | 288.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 102.2 | 61.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 233.4 | 699.8 |
| Theft Rate | 1440.1 | 3660.4 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 394.7 | 1091.0 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In San Jose, you have a 1 in 39 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 20 in San Francisco.
Climate: San Jose vs San Francisco
San Jose Climate Overview
San Francisco Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | San Jose | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 70.9°F | 64.1°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 49.9°F | 51°F |
| Annual Rain | 14.7" | 22.2" |
| 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
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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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