San Jose and San Francisco, both vibrant cities situated in the heart of California, offer distinctive lifestyles. While San Francisco is known for its cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and booming tech industry, San Jose stands out with its relatively lower living costs, richer suburban feel, and strong footprint in the Silicon Valley tech industry. The following comparison will give a detailed insight into various aspects like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and more, and help you make an informed decision, whether you're considering relocation or just a visit.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
San Francisco, CA : 44.1 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 21%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of San Francisco has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) during that time.
In terms of safety, San Jose tends to have a lower crime rate than San Francisco, making it relatively safer. However, like any large metropolitan area, both cities do have areas with higher crime levels. Residents and tourists alike should exercise usual caution, especially during night hours or in less populated regions.
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 1,847 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 830 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 555 to 1; the ratio in San Francisco is 1,049 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Jose than in San Francisco.
Cost of Living
Living in San Francisco is generally more expensive than San Jose. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference. San Francisco's rental and property prices are among the highest in the nation. However, San Jose is not far behind as it is located in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, there is no city-level income tax in either San Francisco or San Jose. The State of California, however, has one of the highest state-level income taxes in the U.S.
Property Tax
San Francisco has a higher median property tax ($7,434) than San Jose ($5,850). However, given the significantly higher average property values in San Francisco, the relatively higher property tax in this city is expected.
Sales Tax
Both San Francisco and San Jose have a total sales tax rate of 9.25%, inclusive of the California state sales tax of 7.25%.
Income
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$121,826
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$80,383
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
141.1
If you make $50,000 in San Jose, you will have to make $55,377 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco's hilly terrain and oceanic views provide stunning scenery, while San Jose, sited in the Santa Clara Valley, provides more of a flatland contrasted by a backdrop of mountains.
Both San Francisco and San Jose host reputed institutions for higher education. San Francisco is home to prestigious institutions like UC San Francisco and San Francisco State University, while San Jose houses San Jose State University and is in proximity to Stanford University. In terms of public schools, both cities offer strong programs, but the performance can vary from one district to another.
San Francisco's economy is characterized by a vast range of industries with notable strength in technology, finance, and tourism. On the other hand, San Jose, as part of Silicon Valley, has a strong emphasis on high-tech industries. Both cities offer ample job opportunities, but one might find a more tech-focused job market in San Jose.
Biggest Employers
San Francisco's biggest employers include Salesforce and the City and County of San Francisco. Meanwhile, in San Jose, tech behemoths like Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems top the employer list, along with the local County of Santa Clara.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Francisco (San Francisco County), 83.5% voted for Democrats and 13.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
2020
72.7%
85.3%
25.2%
12.7%
2.1%
2.0%
2016
72.7%
84.6%
20.6%
9.2%
6.7%
6.2%
2012
70.0%
83.5%
27.1%
13.0%
2.9%
3.4%
2008
69.6%
84.4%
28.6%
13.7%
1.8%
2.0%
2004
64.3%
83.0%
34.8%
15.2%
0.9%
1.8%
2000
60.7%
75.7%
34.4%
16.1%
4.9%
8.1%
1996
56.9%
72.2%
32.2%
15.7%
11.0%
12.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
15.0%
6.0%
9.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.8%
1.8%
1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.7%
7.7%
8.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.8%
2.3%
3.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.6%
1.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.2%
2.3%
1.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
1.1%
2.5%
Weather
Both the cities enjoy the Mediterranean climate, but San Francisco tends to be cooler and foggier due to its proximity to the ocean. San Jose, further inland, experiences warmer, sunnier, and less foggy days. However, the difference is not extreme, and both cities boast agreeable, mild weather overall.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
58.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
84.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
62%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
22.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
26.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
55%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
San Jose
San Francisco
2018
94
104
0.49
0.35
14.5
11.3
22.2
23.4
0.006
0.012
12.5
11.9
0.2
0.4
2017
91
96
0.50
0.40
14.6
11.4
23.5
22.5
0.004
0.008
10.2
9.9
0.2
0.6
2016
69
68
0.47
0.39
13.7
10.6
22.4
22.4
0.003
0.005
8.8
7.9
0.2
0.8
2015
84
85
0.52
0.41
15.4
12.1
22.3
22.5
0.004
0.004
9.2
7.9
0.3
0.8
2014
83
85
0.40
0.38
13.9
12.1
21.5
21.8
0.004
0.005
8.2
7.7
0.2
0.6
2013
90
88
0.41
0.40
15.2
13.9
20.8
20.4
0.005
0.004
12.4
10.2
0.3
0.5
2012
74
75
0.35
0.40
13.3
12.8
21.8
22.7
0.003
0.003
10.1
8.2
0.3
1.1
2011
83
86
0.37
0.24
14.8
14.1
20.6
21.3
0.003
0.003
12.3
9.5
0.3
1.7
2010
88
84
0.35
0.21
14.4
13.4
20.4
22.0
0.004
0.004
9.0
10.6
0.4
1.0
2009
89
95
0.40
0.30
14.7
15.1
18.2
20.4
0.004
0.005
9.3
12.8
0.3
1.1
2008
100
94
0.45
0.43
16.7
15.6
20.6
21.7
N/A
0.007
12.6
11.7
N/A
0.9
2007
92
84
0.44
0.45
16.6
15.6
20.0
20.5
0.009
0.007
11.1
8.9
N/A
1.2
2006
100
86
0.46
0.52
18.0
16.1
21.8
21.5
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.7
N/A
1.6
2005
95
89
0.68
0.39
18.6
14.8
20.0
20.5
N/A
N/A
11.6
8.8
N/A
1.3
2004
98
93
0.63
0.44
18.5
16.1
20.4
20.9
N/A
0.004
9.9
11.2
N/A
2.5
2003
87
65
0.73
0.64
20.6
18.4
19.1
19.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2002
78
62
0.65
0.69
19.5
18.6
18.0
19.6
0.006
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2001
75
64
0.61
0.72
18.5
19.2
16.8
19.0
0.008
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2000
65
60
0.66
0.71
18.9
20.3
15.6
17.1
0.009
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
7.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
7,468.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
6%
Transportation
San Francisco's public transportation, comprising Muni, BART, and ferries, is more extensive and convenient, while the VTA light-rail and bus lines serve San Jose. Both cities have heavy traffic, but commuting may be tougher in San Francisco due to congestion.
Transport
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Amtrak stations
1
4
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
453
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Bicycle
1%
2.7%
Bus
1.1%
11.4%
Carpooled
11.4%
9.1%
Car alone
80.5%
53.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.4%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.9%
Railroad
0.2%
0.7%
Streetcar
0%
7.9%
Subway
0.2%
1.6%
Taxicab
0%
0.4%
Walked
3.3%
8.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Average
29.2 min
38 min
Other means
27.9 min
28.3 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
39.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
85.5%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
3.2%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.9%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Francisco's real estate market is among the priciest in the country. Even though San Jose's housing market is also expensive, it is still relatively cheaper. Both cities offer a variety of housing types, from condos and apartments in urban areas to single-family homes in suburban areas.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco's neighborhoods like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Haight-Ashbury offer unique cultural experiences and are popular among tourists. In San Jose, neighborhoods like Rose Garden, Willow Glen, and The Alameda are known for their suburban feel and are often chosen by families seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Houses
340,561
412,269
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1979
1953
Median year house/condo built
1973
1942
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
16.3 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
350,796 (85.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
140,809 (40.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
209,987 (59.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$3,809
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$2,337
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$1,670,841
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
3.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$517,939
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
45
76
Renting percentage
41.5%
64.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
8,829.1
House value disparities
21.2%
18.7%
Household income disparities
38.3%
41.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$210,544
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$99,969
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
1,778 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
7,687 (8.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
91,236 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
471 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
9,395 (10.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
4.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
2.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
San Francisco
One, detached
50.9%
19.1%
One, attached
11.5%
12.1%
Two
1.1%
9.0%
3 or 4
5.0%
11.4%
5 to 9
5.1%
9.0%
10 to 19
4.5%
9.3%
20 to 49
4.5%
11.3%
50 or more
14.2%
18.7%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
30,288
State government workers
10,222
22,691
Unpaid family workers
472
399
Industries and Occupations
San Francisco's economy is diverse, with dominant sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and tourism. In San Jose, a larger portion of the population is involved in the tech industry due to its positioning within Silicon Valley. Occupations here are quite skewed towards software engineers, programmers, and other tech roles.
Healthcare in both cities is top-notch. Both have leading healthcare providers like UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose. However, healthcare cost can be high given the overall cost of living in both cities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco, being older and more urban, boasts impressive infrastructure with iconic structures like Golden Gate Bridge and historic cable cars. By contrast, in San Jose, you'll find modern buildings primarily as it developed largely during the rise of Silicon Valley.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
San Francisco
Hospitals
20
16
TV stations
9
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
145
281
Bank institutions located here
25
52
Main business address for public companies
74
68
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
San Francisco
1999
3,839
1,402
2000
2,577
1,000
2001
1,953
733
2002
1,908
870
2003
3,578
1,576
2004
5,489
2,147
2005
6,994
2,344
2006
6,324
2,511
2007
4,298
2,117
2008
2,419
1,575
2009
1,631
952
Culture and Food
San Francisco, renowned for its cultural diversity, offers a wide array of international cuisine, unique street festivals, and has an active nightlife. San Jose, on the other hand, while less diverse, is known for its Mexican, Vietnamese, and Farm-to-table dining options, and also boasts a decent arts scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans would delight in both the cities. San Francisco is home to the 49ers (NFL), the Giants (MLB), and the Golden State Warriors (NBA). San Jose is equally sporting, hosting the Sharks (NHL), and the Earthquakes (MLS).
San Jose, CA
San Francisco, CA
