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 $1,420,000 and average rents near $3,450. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (64% 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 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 40% White, 6% Black, and 35% Asian residents, and over 46% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
808,437
Density
18,800 per sq mi
Median Age
38.3
Gender Ratio
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
45.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
40.2%
Black
5.6%
Asian
34.5%
Others
19.7%

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 269.4. Median home values are around $1,420,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $3,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,420,000
Gross Rent
$3,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$160
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$7,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
269.4
Grocery
126.8
Housing
412.5
Utilities
131.2
Transportation
144.6
Health Care
121.4
Miscellaneous
131.0

Crime

Is San Francisco, CA a safe place to live?

San Francisco is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 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
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,850
Crime Index
5,570
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
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 70°F and cold winters dipping to 46°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 64% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
46°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
70°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
64%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $136,000 and a low poverty rate of 10.2%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 59% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 33% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$70,000
Household Income
$136,000
Family Income
$151,000
Per Capita Income
$63,500
Income Male
$96,000
Income Female
$84,000
Poverty Rate
10.2%
Non English Speakers
45.8%
Rent
$3,450
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
33.1%
Commute Time
30.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
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 Balboa High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. 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
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio
22.1
Name
Balboa High School
Street
1000 Cayuga Ave
Phone
415-469-4090
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
20.4

Private Schools

Name
The Bay School of San Francisco
Street
35 Keyes Ave
Phone
415-865-6000
Students
430
Name
San Francisco University High School
Street
3065 Jackson St
Phone
415-447-3100
Students
460

Colleges

Name
University of San Francisco
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Distance
0 miles
Students
9,000
Name
San Francisco State University
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Distance
7 miles
Students
26,000

Healthcare

San Francisco residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UCSF Medical Center and San Francisco General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 95.8% 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) 353-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
San Francisco General Hospital
Address
1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone
(628) 206-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
95.8%
Health Care Index
84.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in San Francisco, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,420,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 38%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. San Francisco offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$3,450
Owner Occupied Rate
37.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of San Francisco handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. 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
2400 Del Paso Rd, Sacramento, CA 95834
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 $1,420,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $3,450, commute time 30.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 64%.

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