You might be considering a home in Sacramento or an apartment in San Francisco, as the two California cities offer vastly different experiences. Known for its sunny climate and farm-to-table culture, Sacramento offers a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle. San Francisco, on the other hand, captivates with its iconic landmarks, thriving tech scene, and fast-paced energy. Whether you’re drawn to the suburban charm of Sacramento or the cosmopolitan charm of San Francisco, your decision could shape your next chapter.
There’s a lot to compare, from housing markets and job opportunities to cultural experiences and cost of living. This Redfin article explains the key differences to help you decide which city best suits your lifestyle and goals.
Sacramento vs San Francisco Housing
Sacramento and San Francisco have two contrasting real estate markets, from the larger, more affordable homes in Sacramento to the high-demand urban living in San Francisco. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences in housing costs, size, and lifestyle between these two California cities.
sacramento housing
Sacramento’s housing market is known for its affordable prices and suburban feel, with a mix of single-family homes, modern condos, and apartments. Sacramento neighborhoods like Midtown and East Sacramento offer walkable communities with a variety of dining and entertainment options. Sacramento real estate is perfect for those looking for more space and a quieter lifestyle without being far from the bustling city environment.
san francisco housing
San Francisco’s housing market is known for premium prices and limited space, reflecting the city’s global appeal and dense urban environment. Housing options include luxury condos in neighborhoods like SoMa, historic Victorian homes in Nohe Valley, and apartments in the iconic Mission District. Despite its small size, living in San Francisco puts you in the heart of technological innovation, world-class dining, and cultural attractions.
Cost of Living in Sacramento and San Francisco
The cost of living in San Francisco, California is approximately 32% higher than in Sacramento, California, making it one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Differences in housing, transportation, and living costs are the main reasons for this difference. Let’s examine the main cost drivers.
1. Utility
Utilities in San Francisco are about 1% cheaper than in Sacramento. Despite San Francisco’s high population density and aging infrastructure, a warmer climate will slightly reduce overall energy use, while Sacramento’s hot summers and new development will increase public demand. .
2. Groceries
Groceries in San Francisco are 15% more expensive than in Sacramento. San Francisco’s high demand, high-end grocery market, and logistical challenges are contributing to high food prices, while Sacramento benefits from its location near California’s agricultural center, offering fresh produce and other necessities at more affordable prices.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs in San Francisco are only 2% cheaper than in Sacramento, despite the city’s extensive transportation options, including BART and Muni. Sacramento’s car-friendly infrastructure and affordable public transportation keep costs relatively close to San Francisco’s high parking and commuting costs.
4. Healthcare
Health care costs in San Francisco are 18% higher than in Sacramento. While San Francisco has a high concentration of specialized medical services and high real estate costs for medical facilities, increasing expenses, Sacramento offers a wide range of affordable care options.
5. Lifestyle
The cost of living in San Francisco is 5% higher than in Sacramento. While San Francisco’s famous arts, dining, and entertainment scene contributes to its high cost of living, Sacramento offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle with plenty of options for recreational and cultural activities.
The size and population of Sacramento and San Francisco: A tale of two California cities.
Although both are major California cities, the climates of Sacramento and San Francisco are vastly different in size and population. Sacramento is approximately 100 square miles, has a population of approximately 525,000 people, and has a more spacious suburban feel. In contrast, San Francisco is only 47 square miles, but home to more than 874,000 residents, resulting in a much denser urban environment. Sacramento’s large area means it has extensive parks and neighborhoods, while San Francisco’s compact layout is dominated by iconic hills, skyscrapers, and busy streets. Differences in density shape each city’s lifestyle, with Sacramento offering more spacious spaces and San Francisco embodying vibrant, energetic living.
Sacramento vs San Francisco weather and climate
Despite their proximity, Sacramento’s climate and San Francisco’s have distinctly different weather patterns. Sacramento has a hot Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In contrast, San Francisco’s coastal region produces a cooler, warmer climate with foggy mornings and stable temperatures year-round. Summers in Sacramento can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while San Francisco rarely gets above 70 degrees Fahrenheit even at the peak of summer. While the seasonal changes are more pronounced in Sacramento, San Francisco’s weather is more stable, with occasional rain in the winter and minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Sacramento vs. San Francisco job market
Sacramento: The Roots of Government and Agriculture
Sacramento’s economy is supported by its role as the state capital and thriving agricultural industry. The city has a 62% employment rate and a median hourly wage of $34.96. The role of government in California, as well as its role in health care and education, fosters employment opportunities. Median household income is approximately $86,000, reflecting a stable and affordable market for job seekers across sectors such as construction, logistics, and food production.
San Francisco: A global hub for technology and finance
San Francisco’s job market is fueled by technology and finance, making it one of the most dynamic markets in the United States. San Francisco has a 66% employment rate and a median hourly wage of $46.86, significantly higher than Sacramento. The median household income is approximately $127,000, and major employers such as Salesforce, Twitter, and UCSF Health offer high-paying opportunities. The city’s diverse economy also includes expanding roles in biotechnology, healthcare, and finance, attracting talent from around the world.
Sacramento vs San Francisco Transportation
Sacramento: More car-dependent, more transportation options
Sacramento is primarily car-centric, with a reliable light rail system and bus network providing commuters with public transportation options. Although cars are the primary mode of transportation, the city is expanding bike lanes and walkable areas, especially downtown. Traffic is generally easier to manage than in larger cities, and parking is widely available.
San Francisco: transit-rich and pedestrian-friendly
San Francisco’s transportation system is robust, with BART, city buses, and cable cars forming the backbone of the public transportation network. The city is very walkable, especially in areas such as the Financial District and Chinatown. Cycling is popular but can be difficult due to the city’s iconic hills. Due to limited parking and significant traffic congestion, car use is less common, encouraging reliance on public transport and walking.
Round-trip travel between Sacramento and San Francisco
Both cities are major travel centers in Northern California, with Sacramento serving as the region’s gateway and San Francisco offering extensive international connections and diverse transportation options.
Sacramento: Sacramento International Airport serves domestic flights and limited international flights. Amtrak connects Sacramento to major cities along the West Coast, and regional bus services such as Greyhound and Megabus serve the region. The city is also the center of scenic rail lines, including the Capitol Corridor, and provides easy access to highways for those traveling by car. San Francisco: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a global transportation hub offering a wide range of international and domestic connections. BART, Caltrain, and Amtrak service the city for regional and cross-border travel, and Greyhound and Megabus also provide additional bus service. San Francisco’s ferry system and cruise terminal also connect travelers to destinations on the Pacific Coast and beyond. Lifestyle and Activities in Sacramento and San Francisco
A day in the life of a Sacramento person
Living in Sacramento offers a relaxed atmosphere with rich culture and cuisine. You might start your morning with a cup of coffee in Midtown or a stroll along the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront. Residents enjoy biking along the American River Parkway and visiting the farmers market on weekends. Sacramento is a city full of diverse experiences, with a food scene featuring farm-to-fork dining and outdoor activities along the river.
Popular places to visit in Sacramento:
Google Street View of Old Sacramento Waterfront
Sacramento parks and outdoor activities:
Google Street View of William Land Park
Sacramento attractions: California State Railroad Museum Old Sacramento State Historic Park California State Capitol Museum Sacramento Zoo Tower Bridge
A day in the life of a San Franciscan
Living in San Francisco combines urban energy with breathtaking views. You might start your morning with a ferry ride or a stroll through the Ferry Building Marketplace. Spend your weekends at Golden Gate Park or visiting cultural districts like Chinatown. In the evening, you can dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant or attend a live performance at a jazz club or the Science Fiction Symphony Orchestra.
Popular attractions in San Francisco:
Google Street View of Alcatraz Island
San Francisco parks and outdoor activities:
Chrissy Field Google Street View
San Francisco attractions: Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Island Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco Cable Car Chinatown Gate
Sacramento vs. San Francisco food and culture
Sacramento: The Farm-to-Fork Capital
Sacramento is known as America’s “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” and its culinary scene is deeply rooted in the region’s rich agriculture. The city’s restaurants prioritize fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and farmers markets are a daily necessity. Districts like Midtown and Downtown are home to innovative dining spots, craft breweries, and wine bars. Sacramento’s cultural landscape includes festivals like Farm to Folk Week and Concerts in the Park, demonstrating the city’s love of food and local talent. The Crocker Art Museum and California State Fair add to the vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
San Francisco: Culinary Innovation and Global Art
San Francisco’s food scene is world-renowned, featuring innovative cuisine and a blend of international flavors. From sourdough bread and Dungeness crab to gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, this city has something for every palate. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission, and North Beach are iconic locations for authentic Chinese, Mexican, and Italian cuisine. Food festivals like Eat Drink SF highlight the city’s love of gastronomic exploration. San Francisco’s cultural life is equally rich, with institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and SF Opera, as well as a thriving live music scene throughout the city.
sacramento vs san francisco sports scene
Sacramento: Basketball Pride and Outdoor Sports
Sacramento’s sports scene is anchored by the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, and fans flock to Golden 1 Center to cheer on their team. The city also has a growing soccer presence, with Sacramento Republic FC drawing enthusiastic crowds. Outdoor sports are also popular, with cycling, running, and water sports available in the city’s parks and nearby rivers. Sacramento’s commitment to community sports is evident in recreational leagues and annual events such as the California International Marathon.
San Francisco: Legacy of Champions
San Francisco is home to some of the most famous teams in professional sports, including the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and Giants (MLB), and games at Oracle Park are a highlight of the city’s sports culture. Basketball fans can cheer on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, while the Sharks bring hockey excitement to the nearby Bay Area. The city’s love of sport extends to marathons, sailing events and bicycle races, and its iconic landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for both professional and recreational sports.
