San Francisco, California and Memphis, Tennessee provide two distinct American experiences both for residents and visitors. These cities hold a unique charm and distinctive characteristics embedded in their crime and safety levels, weather, cost of living, education systems, economic climate, infrastructure, job market, real estate, neighborhood diversity, transportation systems, tax policies, cultural and food scenes, sports teams, geographical attributes, and healthcare facilities. This informative comparison considers all these facets to offer an in-depth look at life in both cities, helpful for anyone considering relocation or a simple visit.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Memphis, TN : 1,804.7 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 30%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
San Francisco has been grappling with issues of property crime, especially car break-ins, but violent crime is relatively lower than other major cities. Memphis has higher crime rates, but it should be noted that crime is usually concentrated in certain areas, and neighborhoods can vary greatly in safety levels. Both cities have made strides in increasing police presence and implementing safety measures, so it's crucial to research specific neighborhoods when considering relocation or a visit.
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 2,614 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,049 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 250 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Francisco than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
Living costs in San Francisco are among the highest in the nation, with housing being a significant factor. Dining, entertainment, and other living expenses are also higher here than the national average. Memphis, in contrast, has a significantly lower cost of living, making it easier for residents to afford housing and necessities on a tighter budget.
Income Tax
California residents pay a significant amount in state income taxes, with rates that can reach as high as 13.3%. Tennessee, however, does not collect state income tax, except on interest and dividend income.
Property Tax
Property taxes in San Francisco tend to be high due to the city's high property values, but the effective tax rate is relatively low. In Memphis, property taxes are generally lower due to more affordable property prices.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in San Francisco is 8.5%, higher than Memphis' rate of 7%. State taxes also differ, with California imposing a higher rate than Tennessee, which does not have a broad-based income tax.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $82,515 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco's hilly terrain, surrounded on three sides by water, provides stunning views and vital natural resources, while Memphis's location along the Mississippi River provides an exciting mix of cityscape and natural beauty.
San Francisco boasts a diverse range of educational options, including some of the country's top institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Memphis also offers excellent educational opportunities with noted institutions like the University of Memphis and Rhodes College.
San Francisco's economy is thriving, with a booming tech industry drawing many job seekers for its high-paying opportunities. Memphis, with a robust distribution and manufacturing sector due to its geographical advantage, offers plenty of job opportunities, but salaries tend to be lower than in San Francisco.
Biggest Employers
In San Francisco, the largest employers include Salesforce, the city government, and UCSF. In contrast, Memphis' economy relies heavily on employers like FedEx, the Shelby County government, and AutoZone.
In San Francisco (San Francisco County), 83.5% voted for Democrats and 13.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
2020
85.3%
64.8%
12.7%
34.2%
2.0%
1.1%
2016
84.6%
62.3%
9.2%
34.7%
6.2%
3.1%
2012
83.5%
62.9%
13.0%
36.7%
3.4%
0.4%
2008
84.4%
63.8%
13.7%
36.2%
2.0%
0.0%
2004
83.0%
57.7%
15.2%
42.0%
1.8%
0.3%
2000
75.7%
56.8%
16.1%
42.3%
8.1%
0.9%
1996
72.2%
78.9%
15.7%
19.6%
12.1%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
6.5%
9.6%
2.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.8%
3.5%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.5%
1.2%
0.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
14.8%
8.4%
15.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.3%
2.5%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.5%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
0.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
0.6%
Weather
San Francisco is known for its cool, foggy weather, characterized by mild, damp winters and dry summers. Microclimates can cause weather to vary drastically across the city, so don't be surprised by sudden changes. On the contrary, Memphis experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Memphis also sees a larger amount of rainfall annually compared to San Francisco.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
50%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
San Francisco
Memphis
2018
104
81
0.35
0.24
11.3
10.4
23.4
27.1
0.012
N/A
19.0
N/A
11.9
8.1
0.4
0.4
2017
96
74
0.40
0.24
11.4
10.2
22.5
28.1
0.008
N/A
17.5
N/A
9.9
7.9
0.6
0.3
2016
68
76
0.39
0.24
10.6
10.2
22.4
28.8
0.005
N/A
19.6
N/A
7.9
8.5
0.8
0.9
2015
85
77
0.41
0.26
12.1
11.1
22.5
26.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
9.2
0.8
1.0
2014
85
75
0.38
0.27
12.1
10.1
21.8
26.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.7
9.9
0.6
1.3
2013
88
74
0.40
0.31
13.9
8.3
20.4
26.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
10.2
0.5
1.0
2012
75
94
0.40
0.32
12.8
9.3
22.7
29.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
10.7
1.1
0.6
2011
86
93
0.24
0.34
14.1
10.0
21.3
29.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
11.1
1.7
0.5
2010
84
95
0.21
0.43
13.4
10.3
22.0
27.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
12.9
1.0
N/A
2009
95
86
0.30
0.35
15.1
8.7
20.4
24.9
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
11.8
1.1
N/A
2008
94
94
0.43
0.36
15.6
10.3
21.7
26.3
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
13.2
0.9
N/A
2007
84
106
0.45
0.47
15.6
11.2
20.5
26.7
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
14.8
1.2
5.6
2006
86
108
0.52
0.43
16.1
13.0
21.5
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
14.7
1.6
6.3
2005
89
110
0.39
0.46
14.8
10.1
20.5
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
17.9
1.3
4.9
2004
93
98
0.44
0.51
16.1
N/A
20.9
24.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
14.5
2.5
5.9
2003
65
110
0.64
0.57
18.4
20.1
19.7
25.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
1.7
5.8
2002
62
110
0.69
0.58
18.6
20.4
19.6
25.1
0.008
N/A
15.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.5
2001
64
111
0.72
0.66
19.2
24.7
19.0
26.0
0.008
N/A
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
6.1
2000
60
103
0.71
0.63
20.3
25.2
17.1
26.2
0.017
N/A
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
18%
Transportation
San Francisco's public transportation system, including BART and Muni, is comprehensive and used widely. Commutes can be long due to traffic. Memphis is more car-centric with a less expansive public transit system, and commuting times are typically shorter.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
453
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Bicycle
2.7%
0%
Bus
11.4%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.1%
7.5%
Car alone
53.9%
88.8%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Average
38 min
27 min
Other means
28.3 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
With limited space and high demand, San Francisco's real estate market is one of the most expensive in the country. Memphis, however, boasts a much more affordable housing market, with lower home and rental prices than the national average.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from the art scene in the Mission District to the bustling tech hub of SoMa. Memphis also has a variety of unique neighborhoods, such as the historic charm of Midtown or the music-filled streets of Beale Street Downtown.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Houses
412,269
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1953
1972
Median year house/condo built
1942
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$93,577
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$204,886
Median house age
76
52
Renting percentage
64.2%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,032.8
House value disparities
18.7%
44.1%
Household income disparities
41.7%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Memphis
One, detached
19.1%
61.0%
One, attached
12.1%
5.8%
Two
9.0%
2.1%
3 or 4
11.4%
7.4%
5 to 9
9.0%
9.1%
10 to 19
9.3%
5.6%
20 to 49
11.3%
1.8%
50 or more
18.7%
6.2%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.8%
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
16,111
State government workers
22,691
7,650
Unpaid family workers
399
668
Industries and Occupations
The tech industry dominates in San Francisco, with companies like Uber, Salesforce, and Twitter headquartered here. Memphis is a significant hub for transportation, business services, health care, and the music industry, housing FedEx's global hub and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
San Francisco offers top-notch healthcare services, with facilities like UCSF Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. Memphis is a healthcare hub in the Mid-South region, home to hospitals like Methodist Hospitals of Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco is known for its unique architectural styles and landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge. It has highly developed infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art airport, highways, and rapid transit systems. Memphis, while less dense, has reliable infrastructure, including the Memphis International Airport, one of the busiest cargo airports globally.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Memphis
Hospitals
16
35
TV stations
18
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
281
160
Bank institutions located here
52
33
Main business address for public companies
68
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Memphis
1999
1,402
2,195
2000
1,000
2,406
2001
733
1,775
2002
870
1,444
2003
1,576
2,116
2004
2,147
3,266
2005
2,344
4,730
2006
2,511
5,833
2007
2,117
3,559
2008
1,575
1,174
2009
952
345
Culture and Food
Culturally rich and diverse, San Francisco offers a blend of art scenes, festivals, and globally-inspired cuisine. Memphis is well-known for its strong musical history and delicious barbecue – a must-try for any foodie.
Sports Teams
Sports fans in San Francisco can enjoy games of the San Francisco Giants (MLB), 49ers (NFL), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Memphis offers excitement for sports enthusiasts too, home to the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and the minor league baseball team, the Redbirds.
San Francisco, CA
Memphis, TN
