Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Francisco, CA
Thinking of moving to San Francisco, CA? With a vibrant population of over 800,000, this iconic city offers mild weather year-round, top-ranked universities, and an energetic urban lifestyle. Be prepared for a high cost of living—median home prices are $1.3 million and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $3,100—but incomes are strong and nearly 60% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average around 32 minutes, crime rates are higher than average, and public transit is widely used. San Francisco’s diverse culture, job opportunities, and scenic beauty make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - San Francisco, CA
Demographics - San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is home to over 808,000 residents, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. The city is notably diverse, with significant White (39.2%), Asian (35.7%), and other multicultural communities, and nearly 45% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 39.6, reflecting a mix of young professionals and established families.
Population:
808,437
Density:
18,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
44.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
39.2%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
35.7%
Others:
19.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco has a very high cost of living, with a median home value around $1.3 million and average rent for a 2-bedroom at $3,100. Daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are also above national averages, and state taxes can range from 1% up to 13.3%. Prospective residents should budget accordingly for this premium urban lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,300,000
Gross Rent:
$3,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
244.0
Grocery:
140.7
Housing:
371.8
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
163.6
Health Care:
129.7
Miscellaneous:
120.5
Crime
Is San Francisco, CA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in San Francisco are higher than the national average, with a property crime rate of 4,821 per 100,000 and a 1 in 21 chance of being affected. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 631 per 100,000, so while neighborhoods vary, it’s important to evaluate local safety when choosing where to live. The city continues to invest in public safety initiatives and community programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
631
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,821
Crime Index:
5,452
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 159
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 21
Weather
What is the weather like in San Francisco, CA year-round?
San Francisco offers a mild climate with temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F in winter or rising above 71°F in fall. The city enjoys about 67% sunny days annually, with moderate rainfall averaging 23.7 inches per year. This pleasant weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle and vibrant city events year-round.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
69°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents of San Francisco are highly educated, with 59.4% holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and the median household income is $136,689. Public transportation is widely used (33.2%), commutes average 32.5 minutes, and the poverty rate sits at 11.2%. The city’s diverse, professional community enjoys a dynamic urban environment.
Median Income:
$70,890
Household Income:
$136,689
Family Income:
$170,000
Per Capita Income:
$84,000
Income Male:
$98,000
Income Female:
$83,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
44.5%
Rent:
$3,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
33.2%
Commute Time:
32.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
59.4%
Education
How are the schools in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco boasts a robust education system, featuring well-regarded public schools like Lowell High School and a range of private options. The city is also home to major universities, including San Francisco State University and the University of San Francisco, making it an attractive destination for students and families seeking quality educational opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Lowell High School
Street:
1101 Eucalyptus Dr
Phone:
415-759-2730
Students:
2,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.5
Name:
Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts
Street:
555 Portola Dr
Phone:
415-695-5700
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.7
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Street:
1055 Ellis St
Phone:
415-775-6626
Students:
1,250
Colleges
Name:
San Francisco State University
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
27,000
Name:
University of San Francisco
City:
San Francisco
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
San Francisco offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like UCSF Medical Center and California Pacific Medical Center providing comprehensive services. The city has a high physician density (4.2 per 1,000 residents) and nearly 97% of residents have health insurance. This ensures quality medical care is readily available for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UCSF Medical Center
Address:
505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone:
(415) 476-1000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
California Pacific Medical Center
Address:
2333 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone:
(415) 600-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.7%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Francisco, CA?
The local housing market is competitive, with median home prices at $1.3 million and an average rent of $3,100 for a two-bedroom apartment. Homeownership is less common, with about 37.5% of residents owning their homes, and the market remains stable with a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Rental options are plentiful, but vacancy rates are relatively low.
Median Home Price:
$1,300,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
San Francisco residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 1377 Fell St. The DMV provides all standard licensing and vehicle registration services, and more information can be found on the California DMV website or by calling their toll-free number.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1377 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.