California / County

Moving to San Francisco, CA

Thinking of making a move to San Francisco, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Francisco, CA

Considering a move to San Francisco, CA? This welcoming community of 808,437 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,300,000 and average rents near $3,100. Commute times average 33 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore San Francisco's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - San Francisco, CA

San Francisco has a population of 808,437 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 5% Black, and 36% Asian residents, and over 45% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in San Francisco is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 244.0. Median home values are around $1,300,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $3,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

San Francisco is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 631 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 21. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 69°F and cold winters dipping to 45°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
45°F
Max
59°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
69°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
53°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $136,689 and a low poverty rate of 11.2%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 59% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 33 minutes, and almost 33% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Lowell High School and Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UCSF Medical Center and California Pacific Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 4.2 per 1,000 people and 96.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 strong, with a median home price of $1,300,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 38%. The market has seen a 1.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.0%. San Francisco offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of San Francisco handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in San Francisco. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
1377 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to San Francisco, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to San Francisco, review the core fields on this page: population 808,437, median home value $1,300,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,100, commute time 32.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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