San Francisco, CA and Cleveland, OH, offer distinct lifestyles with their unique appeals. Located on the West Coast, San Francisco is known for its picturesque hilly landscape and progressive culture. In contrast, Cleveland, located in the midwest, offers a lower cost of living, enthusiastic sports scene, and resilient industrial history. This comparative guide aims to provide an overview of both cities, keeping potential relocators and tourists in mind.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Cleveland, OH : 2,164.6 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 122%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Cleveland has decreased by 110,412 people (23.1%) during that time.
Crime rates are a concern in both cities, though they vary in intensity and type. San Francisco has issues with property crime, particularly car break-ins and thefts, often centered around tourist areas. Cleveland's crime rates surpass the national average, especially in terms of violence, but most criminal activity is concentrated in specific areas. Community engagement and vigilance, in addition to law enforcement efforts, are ongoing in both cities to enhance safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 830 registered sex offenders living in San Francisco and 1,986 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,049 to 1; the ratio in Cleveland is 194 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Francisco than in Cleveland.
Cost of Living
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Housing, dining, and general expenses tend to be high due to demand and competitive salaries. Cleveland, in contrast, offers a much lower cost of living, with housing being significantly cheaper as compared to national averages. Both cities have areas where housing affordability varies.
Income Tax
Both California and Ohio have progressive income tax rates. However, California's top marginal income tax rate is one of the highest in the country which can make a considerable difference for higher-income earners.
Property Tax
Property taxes in San Francisco are lower than those in Cleveland, but the high property values can offset this. In contrast, Cleveland has above-average property taxes but significantly lower property values.
Sales Tax
San Francisco, in California, has a higher state and city sales tax rate in comparison to Cleveland, Ohio. The cost of goods and services is accordingly higher in San Francisco.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$35,562
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$24,093
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
94.3
If you make $50,000 in Cleveland, you will have to make $74,814 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco's notable geography features the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, and hilly landscapes. Cleveland, situated along Lake Erie, is mostly flat with areas of rolling terrain in the suburbs.
San Francisco boasts a range of high-ranking private and public schools and is close to renowned higher education institutions like Stanford and UC Berkeley. Cleveland offers a robust public education system with Cleveland Metropolitan School District and is also home to Case Western Reserve University, a top-ranked research university.
San Francisco's economy is thriving, with technology, finance, and tourism serving as key industries. Cleveland’s economy is diversified with healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services playing significant roles. Unemployment rates in San Francisco tend to be lower, though the cost of living puts pressure on wages.
Biggest Employers
San Francisco's top employers are the City of San Francisco, Salesforce, and UCSF. Cleveland's largest employers are the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 104 building permits issued in Cleveland in 2012 (18 more than in 2011).
In San Francisco (San Francisco County), 83.5% voted for Democrats and 13.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 29.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
2020
85.3%
66.5%
12.7%
32.4%
2.0%
1.1%
2016
84.6%
65.5%
9.2%
30.3%
6.2%
4.1%
2012
83.5%
69.7%
13.0%
29.7%
3.4%
0.5%
2008
84.4%
69.1%
13.7%
30.1%
2.0%
0.8%
2004
83.0%
66.6%
15.2%
32.9%
1.8%
0.5%
2000
75.7%
62.9%
16.1%
33.6%
8.1%
3.5%
1996
72.2%
60.8%
15.7%
29.1%
12.1%
10.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
28.6%
9.6%
11.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.6%
3.5%
2.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.3%
1.2%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
0.4%
8.4%
3.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
1.6%
2.5%
3.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.1%
1.7%
3.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
1.4%
1.5%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
1.6%
Weather
San Francisco enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by damp, mild winters and dry summers. The city's iconic fog cools off hot days, making temperatures rarely extreme. Cleveland, on the other hand, experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Cleveland's weather can change rapidly and it is known for its unpredictable lake effect snow from the nearby Lake Erie.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
50.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
38.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
115.9 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
11.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
51.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
44%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
22%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Cleveland, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
San Francisco
Cleveland
2018
104
85
0.35
0.26
11.3
11.3
23.4
26.9
0.012
N/A
22.7
N/A
11.9
9.3
0.4
0.6
2017
96
82
0.40
0.27
11.4
11.4
22.5
27.6
0.008
N/A
23.2
N/A
9.9
8.2
0.6
0.5
2016
68
81
0.39
0.27
10.6
11.1
22.4
27.1
0.005
N/A
23.4
N/A
7.9
9.9
0.8
1.0
2015
85
76
0.41
0.27
12.1
12.9
22.5
25.1
0.004
N/A
31.5
N/A
7.9
8.0
0.8
1.9
2014
85
83
0.38
0.25
12.1
12.3
21.8
23.7
0.005
N/A
28.4
N/A
7.7
10.6
0.6
1.7
2013
88
88
0.40
0.24
13.9
12.9
20.4
23.8
0.004
N/A
27.3
N/A
10.2
12.0
0.5
1.9
2012
75
119
0.40
0.28
12.8
13.7
22.7
26.5
0.003
N/A
32.0
N/A
8.2
15.2
1.1
2.5
2011
86
110
0.24
0.29
14.1
15.3
21.3
25.8
0.003
N/A
29.7
N/A
9.5
16.1
1.7
3.4
2010
84
113
0.21
0.35
13.4
15.8
22.0
27.0
0.004
N/A
24.2
N/A
10.6
18.7
1.0
3.6
2009
95
67
0.30
0.37
15.1
17.1
20.4
26.0
0.005
N/A
21.5
N/A
12.8
N/A
1.1
3.7
2008
94
87
0.43
0.29
15.6
15.2
21.7
32.9
0.007
N/A
27.1
N/A
11.7
N/A
0.9
4.2
2007
84
94
0.45
0.29
15.6
18.1
20.5
32.9
0.007
N/A
30.3
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.2
5.2
2006
86
75
0.52
0.25
16.1
16.2
21.5
27.7
N/A
N/A
27.3
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
5.0
2005
89
98
0.39
0.27
14.8
19.2
20.5
28.6
N/A
N/A
31.7
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
5.7
2004
93
77
0.44
0.47
16.1
19.5
20.9
20.1
0.004
N/A
29.2
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
3.8
2003
65
81
0.64
0.49
18.4
19.6
19.7
25.8
N/A
N/A
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
5.7
2002
62
95
0.69
0.40
18.6
19.8
19.6
28.6
0.008
N/A
32.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
5.1
2001
64
91
0.72
0.43
19.2
21.1
19.0
28.4
0.008
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
5.9
2000
60
79
0.71
0.48
20.3
20.5
17.1
25.2
0.017
N/A
35.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
5.8
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
93%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
50.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
16%
Transportation
Public transit, cycling, and walking are popular in San Francisco due to the city's compact layout. Cleveland has a well-maintained public transit system, but most residents prefer to commute by cars due to the city's spread-out layout.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
453
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Bicycle
2.7%
0.2%
Bus
11.4%
3.5%
Carpooled
9.1%
7.7%
Car alone
53.9%
83.1%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0.1%
Streetcar
7.9%
0.4%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Average
38 min
28.9 min
Other means
28.3 min
23.2 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
42.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
85.5%
87.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
10.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Francisco is highly desirable and expensive, with properties appreciating rapidly. Cleveland's real estate market, while less volatile, offers excellent opportunities for investment and affordability.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco is famous for its distinctive neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and Chinatown, each with its unique culture. Cleveland also has diverse neighborhoods like Ohio City, Tremont, and Coventry Village, known for historic architecture and vibrant food scenes.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Houses
412,269
202,735
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1953
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
17.5 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
171,321 (84.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
67,039 (39.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
104,282 (60.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$1,284
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$754
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$86,306
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$83,400
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$104,861
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$81,957
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$250,787
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$156,467
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$40,340
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$125,938
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$105,403
Median house age
76
80
Renting percentage
64.2%
55.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
2,613.2
House value disparities
18.7%
41.6%
Household income disparities
41.7%
48.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$61,885
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$42,551
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
2,325 (6.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
2,348 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
34,401 (93.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
166 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
3,335 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
19
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
8.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
5.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Cleveland
One, detached
19.1%
48.7%
One, attached
12.1%
5.6%
Two
9.0%
14.7%
3 or 4
11.4%
5.2%
5 to 9
9.0%
5.0%
10 to 19
9.3%
3.8%
20 to 49
11.3%
3.3%
50 or more
18.7%
13.1%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
7,246
State government workers
22,691
2,212
Unpaid family workers
399
328
Industries and Occupations
In San Francisco, the tech industry dominates, followed by healthcare, and finance. Cleveland's largest industries include healthcare, manufacturing, education, and professional services.
San Francisco has excellent health care facilities, including the UCSF Medical Center. Cleveland is known worldwide for the Cleveland Clinic, considered one of the best hospitals in the country.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco's infrastructure is shaped by its unique geography. The city has impressive bridges, compact neighborhoods, and hilly areas. Cleveland has a typical Midwestern infrastructure with more space and well-established freeway systems. Both cities continue to focus on improving their infrastructures, which includes public transportation and roads.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Cleveland
Hospitals
16
30
TV stations
18
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
281
116
Bank institutions located here
52
17
Main business address for public companies
68
31
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Cleveland
1999
1,402
1,871
2000
1,000
2,587
2001
733
2,077
2002
870
1,561
2003
1,576
1,242
2004
2,147
1,561
2005
2,344
3,297
2006
2,511
3,951
2007
2,117
2,211
2008
1,575
482
2009
952
184
Culture and Food
San Francisco is renowned for its cultural diversity, with a vibrant food scene, thriving art community, and dynamic festivals. Cleveland's cultural scene is rich with a strong music legacy, ethnic restaurants, and renowned museums such as the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to sports teams like the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. Cleveland is known for its passionate support of the Cleveland Browns, the Cavaliers, and the Indians.
San Francisco, CA
Cleveland, OH
