San Diego vs San Francisco: Which is Better? A Honest Review on Each City’s Cost, Culture, and More
If you’re considering a move to the sunshine state, you might be looking for apartments in San Diego, CA, or rentals in San Francisco, CA. Both cities provide unique lifestyles and strong job markets, but their costs of living and vibes are dramatically different. If you’re weighing whether to enjoy San Diego’s beaches and relaxed pace or San Francisco’s high-energy, tech-focused environment, it’s essential to understand what each city offers.
From weather to job prospects and more, there’s a lot to think about. Let’s break down the key differences in this Redfin article so you can find the city that’s perfect for you.
Two California cities: San Diego vs San Francisco in size and population
San Diego and San Francisco are both iconic California cities, but they contrast sharply in how they utilize their space and host their populations. San Diego stretches across a sprawling 372 square miles, offering a mix of suburban neighborhoods, coastal communities, and urban centers. In contrast, San Francisco is much more compact, covering just 47 square miles, making it one of the densest cities in the U.S.
San Diego has a population of about 1.4 million, with a population density of roughly 4,300 people per square mile. Its larger size allows for a more relaxed, open feel, with many residents living close to beaches or parks. San Francisco, despite its smaller geographic footprint, is home to approximately 874,000 people, resulting in a much higher population density of around 17,300 people per square mile. The tightly packed nature of San Francisco, combined with its vertical landscape and iconic hills, creates a fast-paced, bustling atmosphere, especially in its dense downtown areas.
Cost of living in San Diego vs San Francisco
Overall, the cost of living in San Diego is about 18% lower than in San Francisco. While both cities are known for being expensive, San Francisco’s combination of limited housing, high demand, and a booming tech sector significantly elevates everyday costs compared to the more relaxed, spread-out nature of San Diego.
1. Utilities
Utilities in San Diego are about 23% cheaper than in San Francisco. Thanks to its mild and steady climate, San Diego residents need less energy for heating and cooling throughout the year. In contrast, San Francisco’s older housing and cooler temperatures require more heating, which drives up utility costs.
2. Groceries
Groceries in San Diego are approximately 7% lower than in San Francisco. San Diego’s proximity to California’s agricultural heartland allows for more affordable, fresher produce, while San Francisco, with its higher demand and reliance on importing goods from farther distances, sees elevated grocery prices.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in San Francisco are about 4% higher than in San Diego. San Francisco’s dense urban environment leads to high parking fees and an extensive reliance on public transportation, which drives up costs. In comparison, San Diego’s car-dependent culture balances out costs, with lower expenses related to parking but slightly higher fuel consumption.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare costs in San Diego are about 21% lower than in San Francisco. San Francisco’s expensive real estate for medical facilities and the high demand for specialized healthcare services contribute to significantly higher healthcare expenses. San Diego’s more affordable and widespread healthcare options help keep costs lower.
5. Lifestyle
Lifestyle expenses in San Diego are about 6% lower than in San Francisco. While both cities offer a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities, San Francisco’s dense living conditions and premium real estate push up the cost of services like dining, fitness, and events. San Diego, with its more spacious and relaxed environment, offers slightly more affordable lifestyle options.
Housing in San Diego vs San Francisco
Housing in San Diego
San Diego’s housing market is known for its mix of beachfront properties, suburban homes, and urban apartments. The city’s layout is spread out, with San Diego neighborhoods offering a more relaxed, laid-back feel compared to larger metropolitan areas. You’ll find everything from luxury high-rises in downtown San Diego to coastal bungalows in neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Outdoor living is a key part of San Diego’s lifestyle, with homes often featuring patios, backyards, and large windows to enjoy the city’s year-round pleasant weather.
Housing options:
Studio Apartment: The average rent for a studio apartment in San Diego is about $2,324 per month, varying by location and proximity to the coast.
1-Bedroom Apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in San Diego typically costs around $2,830 per month in popular areas like Little Italy, Hillcrest, or Gaslamp Quarter.
Median Home Cost: The median home price in San Diego is around $970,000, with a range of single-family homes, condos, and townhouses, particularly in coastal areas.
Housing in San Francisco
Housing in San Francisco is defined by density and high demand, with limited space driving up prices. The city’s unique architecture includes historic Victorian homes, modern high-rise condos, and famous townhomes. Popular San Francisco neighborhoods like Mission District, SoMa, and Nob Hill offer a mix of modern and classic living spaces, but at a premium price. Due to space constraints, outdoor areas like terraces and rooftop decks are common substitutes for backyards, especially in central San Francisco.
Housing options:
Studio Apartment: Renting a studio apartment in San Francisco averages around $2,862 per month, particularly in central locations like SoMa or Nob Hill.
1-Bedroom Apartment: A one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco costs about $3,540 per month in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, though options in areas like Outer Sunset can be slightly more affordable.
Median Home Cost: The median home sale price in San Francisco is approximately $1.3 million, with a mix of historic townhouses, Victorian homes, and luxury condos dominating the market.
The job market in San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego: Military, tourism, and biotechnology powerhouse
San Diego boasts a strong and diverse economy, with key sectors including military defense, biotechnology, tourism, and healthcare. The city’s employment rate is around 63%, and its median household income of approximately $106,000, and a mean hourly wage of about $36.54. The military, anchored by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, is one of the largest employers in San Diego, contributing significantly to the local economy. San Diego’s thriving biotech industry, led by companies like Illumina and Pfizer, has positioned the city as a hub for innovation and research. Tourism also plays a critical role, with attractions like the San Diego Zoo and the city’s beautiful beaches drawing millions of visitors annually. In healthcare, major institutions like Scripps Health and Sharp Healthcare are significant employers, contributing to the city’s overall economic health.
San Francisco: A Global tech and finance hub
San Francisco’s job market is heavily influenced by its global reputation as a center for technology and finance. The city’s employment rate is around 66%, with a median household income of $127,000, and a mean hourly wage of $36.54. The tech sector dominates, with global companies like Google, Salesforce, and Twitter headquartered in the area, along with a thriving startup ecosystem. San Francisco is also a key player in the financial sector, with firms like Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab contributing to the city’s economic strength. The healthcare and biotech industries are significant as well, with companies like Genentech and Kaiser Permanente playing major roles in the local job market. Despite the city’s high cost of living, the opportunities for high-paying jobs in tech, finance, and healthcare attract top talent from around the world.
Transportation in San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego is primarily a car-centric city, with many residents relying on personal vehicles for commuting due to its spread-out nature. Major highways like I-5, I-15, and I-805 connect various parts of the city. While the San Diego Trolley provides public transportation along key routes, and buses serve broader areas, public transit usage is lower than in denser cities. San Diego’s relatively mild traffic compared to Los Angeles makes driving more manageable, and the city has embraced biking and electric scooters, especially in downtown and beach areas.
Walk Score: 53
Bike Score: 43
Transit Score: 37
San Francisco, by contrast, is known for its robust public transportation system, which includes BART, Muni buses, streetcars, and the famous cable cars. The city’s hilly landscape and high population density make walking and public transit the preferred modes of travel. Biking is also popular, particularly with the availability of protected bike lanes in certain areas. Driving in San Francisco can be challenging due to narrow streets, high parking costs, and frequent congestion.
Walk Score: 89
Bike Score: 72
Transit Score: 77
Travel options in and out of San Diego and San Francisco:
Both cities are well-connected by air and road, but their rail and public transit systems differ significantly.
San Diego
Airports: San Diego International Airport
Rail: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner connects to Los Angeles and other West Coast cities
Bike-Share: San Diego has a bike-sharing program with stations across key neighborhoods
Electric Scooters: Widely available throughout downtown and beach areas
San Francisco
Airports: San Francisco International Airport
Rail: BART connects the city to the broader Bay Area and Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor links to Sacramento
Buses: Greyhound, Megabus, and long-distance bus services
Ferries: Extensive ferry network connects to surrounding communities
Bike-Share: Bay Wheels bike-share program
Weather and climate in San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego’s climate enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with sunny weather nearly year-round. Summers are warm but tempered by the ocean breeze, making beach days and outdoor activities a constant feature of life in the city. Winters are cool and mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F. In contrast, San Francisco’s climate experiences a cooler climate with more variability, known for its fog and cooler temperatures, especially in the summer when the Pacific Ocean’s cold currents roll in. While San Diego offers steady warmth, San Francisco’s microclimates mean it can be warm in one neighborhood and cool in another, with temperatures often in the 60s or 70s. San Diego is vulnerable to wildfires during the dry season, while San Francisco is at risk for earthquakes due to its location near the San Andreas Fault.
Lifestyle and recreational opportunities in San Diego vs San Francisco
What it’s like to live in San Diego
Living in San Diego revolves around its outdoor-friendly, beach-centered lifestyle. With its near-perfect year-round weather, residents enjoy everything from surfing to hiking, making it an ideal location for those who love the outdoors. San Diego’s laid-back nature combines with its growing food and craft beer scene, creating a city that balances relaxation with culinary excitement. Locals can spend weekends exploring beaches, dining at waterfront restaurants, or attending outdoor festivals and concerts. The city’s numerous parks and proximity to natural reserves also offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature exploration.
Indoor Activities:
Visit the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park
Explore the USS Midway Museum
Take a tour of the San Diego Air & Space Museum
Catch a Padres game at Petco Park
Experience live performances at the Old Globe Theatre
Google Street View of inside Petco Park
Outdoor Activities:
Surfing at La Jolla Shores
Hiking in Torrey Pines State Reserve
Biking along the Mission Bay Trail
Kayaking through the sea caves in La Jolla
Exploring Balboa Park’s gardens and museums
Google Street View inside the sea caves in La Jolla
Landmarks and parks around San Diego:
Balboa Park
La Jolla Cove
San Diego Zoo
Mission Beach Boardwalk
Cabrillo National Monument
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Coronado Island
What it’s like to live in San Francisco
San Francisco offers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle with a strong emphasis on culture, tech innovation, and outdoor living. With its famous hills and eclectic neighborhoods, the city offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Residents enjoy the diverse food scene, which ranges from Michelin-star restaurants to casual street food. San Francisco’s proximity to natural beauty—like the Golden Gate Bridge, parks, and nearby hiking trails—makes it ideal for those who love both urban and outdoor activities. The city’s unique cultural institutions and frequent festivals further enrich the experience of living in this iconic city.
Indoor Activities:
Visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Take a tour of Alcatraz Island
See a performance at the San Francisco Opera
Discover the California Academy of Sciences
Attend a Giants baseball game at Oracle Park
Google Street View of the San Francisco Opera building
Outdoor Activities:
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Hiking in the Presidio
Walking along the Embarcadero waterfront
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Picnicking at Dolores Park
Google Street View of Presidio
Landmarks and parks around San Francisco:
Golden Gate Park
Alcatraz Island
The Presidio
Palace of Fine Arts
Coit Tower
Fisherman’s Wharf
Twin Peaks
Mission Dolores Park
Food and culture: San Diego vs San Francisco
San Diego’s food culture is heavily influenced by its coastal location and proximity to Mexico, giving rise to a vibrant blend of seafood and Mexican cuisine. Fish tacos, fresh ceviche, and locally sourced seafood dominate many menus across the city, while taco shops offering California burritos are neighborhood staples. The craft beer scene in San Diego is one of the best in the country, with dozens of local breweries offering a variety of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Culturally, San Diego embraces its laid-back, beachy tone with numerous outdoor festivals, art shows, and live music events, particularly during the summer months when the weather is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
San Francisco’s food scene is renowned for its diversity and innovation. With a farm-to-table movement that set the standard for modern dining, the city offers an array of high-end restaurants alongside classic street food. Dishes like sourdough bread, clam chowder in a bread bowl, and Dungeness crab are iconic to the area. International cuisine also flourishes in San Francisco, with Chinatown, the Mission District, and Little Italy offering authentic dishes from all over the world. On the cultural front, San Francisco is a hub for artistic expression, with a strong theater scene, cutting-edge galleries, and annual events like the San Francisco International Film Festival. The city’s nightlife ranges from intimate jazz clubs to vibrant LGBTQ+ venues, offering something for everyone.
San Diego vs San Francisco sports scene
San Diego’s sports culture revolves around its professional baseball and soccer teams, with a notable history in football and emerging interest in women’s sports.
Football (College): San Diego State Aztecs – The Aztecs’ football program competes in the Mountain West Conference, and the city supports its college team following the Chargers’ departure.
Women’s Basketball (College): San Diego State Aztecs Women’s Basketball – Competing in the NCAA, the team draws support from the local community.
Baseball (MLB): San Diego Padres – A staple of San Diego sports, the Padres play at Petco Park and have a loyal fan base.
Soccer (MLS): San Diego Loyal SC – Though in the USL Championship, San Diego’s soccer team garners strong local support, with hopes of landing an MLS team.
Women’s Soccer (NWSL): San Diego Wave FC – A new addition to the city, the Wave competes in the NWSL and is quickly building a passionate following.
San Francisco is a sports powerhouse, home to multiple successful teams across different leagues.
Football (NFL): San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers are one of the most successful franchises in NFL history, with multiple Super Bowl victories.
Baseball (MLB): San Francisco Giants – The Giants are one of the most iconic MLB teams, with a dedicated fan base at Oracle Park.
Women’s Soccer (NWSL): San Francisco currently does not have a women’s professional soccer team, but interest in the sport is growing.
Women’s Basketball (College): University of San Francisco Women’s Basketball – The team represents the city in NCAA competition, adding to the local sports culture.
Basketball (NBA): Golden State Warriors – The Warriors have been one of the most dominant NBA teams in recent years, playing at the Chase Center.
Soccer (MLS): San Jose Earthquakes – Though based in nearby San Jose, the Earthquakes are the closest MLS team for San Francisco fans.
The post San Diego vs San Francisco: Which is Better? A Honest Review on Each City’s Cost, Culture, and More appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
