Living in San Francisco: 10 Things to Know Before Moving to The Golden City

From the hilly switchbacks of Lombard Street and the elegant “Painted Ladies” of Alamo Square, to the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the most iconic destinations in the U.S. More than 23 million tourists flock to this Northern California hotspot each year — but is San Francisco a good place to live? 

The short answer is, it depends. Whether you’re moving to San Francisco from a different area of California, or you’re moving across the country, here’s all you need to know about living in San Francisco before you make the leap.

10 Facts to Know About Living in San Francisco (Before Moving to San Francisco)

If the idea of moving to San Francisco feels like you just struck gold, we hear you. After all, it’s known as The Golden City for a reason! (Word to the wise: Don’t call it Frisco — the locals hate that nickname.) 

But as with any new destination, there are some regional-specific factors to be aware of. Let’s dive into 10 things you need to know first if you’re thinking about living in San Francisco. 

1. The cost of living in San Francisco is above the national average

We’ll just cut to the chase — moving to San Francisco does not come cheap. The cost of living in San Francisco is 65% above the national average due to an inflated housing market, strict municipal zoning laws, and limited real estate inventory. High local salaries and business taxes raise operating costs for employers — and these are then often passed on to consumers through higher prices for local goods and services.

So, what salary range do you need to live in San Francisco? As a rough estimate, one single adult with no children can live comfortably on about $31 per hour, while two adults with 1–3 children will need to earn a bare minimum of $32–$55 per hour.

And of course, you’ll also have to factor in sales tax. When you combine the state tax rate of 7.25% with the county sales tax rate of 1% and the special tax rate (to fund local transportation and infrastructure) of 0.375%, it comes out to 8.6%. This is lower than many other California cities including Brentwood, Alameda, Pico Rivera, and San Fernando, but steep compared to the national average.   

For folks relocating from another part of California, such as Los Angeles or San Diego, expect the cost of living in San Francisco to be around 19% higher than what you’re used to. 

On the other hand, if you plan on moving from New York to San Francisco, you’ll be able to cut down on expenses: San Francisco’s cost of living is 9% lower than New York’s. This means you can maintain the same quality of life on about $10,240 per month in San Francisco versus $12,000 in New York — that’s a monthly savings of almost $2,000!

2. San Francisco boasts a mild, comfortable climate year-round

Living in San Francisco means you can bask in a temperate climate, no matter the season. Its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean ushers in a gentle coastal breeze all year long, making San Francisco one of the mildest cities in the Bay Area. 

Summer temperatures usually hover around 65–70 degrees (with an occasional heat index that can reach the low 80s), and winter months are rarely cooler than 45–50 degrees. San Francisco also boasts 259 days of sunshine and 25 inches of rainfall per year, along with persistent heavy fog off the coast between June and August.   

3. Crime in San Francisco tends to be high — depending on where you live

Because it’s such a large city, San Francisco has a high crime rate — 182% above the national average, to be exact. That sounds like an alarming number, but let’s break this down: Each year, an estimated 696 violent crimes occur per 100,000 residents in San Francisco, while 6,246 property crimes occur per 100,000 residents. 

Property crimes tend to be the most common threat, with a risk of about 1 in 17 (compared to the state-wide risk of 1 in 43). But as with anywhere else, most crimes take place in small, concentrated areas. 

Here are the three safest neighborhoods in San Francisco and the three neighborhoods where crimes are most likely to occur. 

Safest neighborhoods in San Francisco

• Noe Valley

• Outer Sunset

• Presidio Heights

Highest crime neighborhoods in San Francisco

• Tenderloin District

• South of Market

• The Castro

4. The housing and rental markets are expensive in San Francisco

Before moving to San Francisco, brace yourself for the inflated housing market. Homes cost around $1,295,000, on average — a 0.6% increase from 2024. With that said, Zillow projects the home value appreciation could start to taper off between now and May 2026, so there’s a silver lining on the horizon for potential homebuyers.

If you want to hold off on purchasing a house until the market calms down, renting is always an option as well. 

The best places to live in San Francisco have tons of apartments to choose from, whether you prefer a historic Victorian walk-up in Bernal Heights or a chic industrial loft in the Mission District. 

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,494 per month, but this will fluctuate based on where you settle. On the cheaper end, rent in Downtown District 8 costs $2,355 per month, while Presidio will set you back $5,059 per month. 

5. San Francisco’s job market is rebounding after a multi-year setback

The San Francisco economy has been slow to recover from the pandemic shuttering jobs in Silicon Valley. But if you’re moving to San Francisco for a career boost, don’t let those previous setbacks deter you — numerous industries are currently on the comeback train, including the Bay Area tech scene, with salaries 30% above the national average.

Whether you’re relocating for a job or looking for a fresh start, San Francisco offers lucrative career opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information technology, data science or analytics, software development, cloud computing, finance, education, healthcare, tourism, aerospace, and biotech. Not to mention, the unemployment rate here is only 3.5% versus 4.9% in California and 4% nationwide. 

Is $70,000 enough to live on in San Francisco? The truth is, you’ll have a hard time. Due to the steep cost of living, you’ll need to secure a job that pays more. 

Is $100,000 enough to live on in San Francisco? This can be managed — but you will have to account for certain factors such as the neighborhood you’re in, the size of your household, or whether you can slash a few expenses, like selling your car and using public transit.  

The annual starting salary in San Francisco is $95,265 ($46 per hour)—that’s considerably higher than many cities out West, including Denver, Portland, Seattle, and Phoenix, as well as other Bay Area hubs such as Oakland. But given how much it costs to live here, salaries need to be high in order to maintain a comfortable quality of life.

6. San Francisco has one of the nation’s top public transit systems

Speaking of public transit, San Francisco’s Muni trains, cable cars, buses, and streetcars are among the best transportation systems in the U.S. These fuel-efficient, affordable transit options make it easy and convenient to access more than 70 routes all over the city. 

You can also travel around to other nearby destinations without a vehicle, thanks to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which connects San Francisco residents to cities across the region as far as North San Jose. Along with its excellent transportation system, San Francisco has a walk and bike score of 99. If you want to go car-less, this is the place to do it. 

7. You’ll find many prestigious universities in the San Francisco area

The Bay Area is known for higher education, with top-rated colleges either in San Francisco or just outside the city limits. Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UC San Francisco all rank among U.S. News & World Report’s 20 best global universities. So, if you’re a college student (or the parent of a soon-to-be college student), keep San Francisco on your radar.

8. The best places to live in San Francisco have so much to offer

San Francisco is home to 41 neighborhoods, each with their own diverse communities and distinctive selling points. 

Where are the best places to live in San Francisco? Ultimately, that’s a matter of preference. You can find just about any neighborhood vibe here, from artsy and bohemian, to trendy and modern, to quiet and family-centric. 

We hear you, though — 41 neighborhoods is a ton of area to cover, and if you’re moving to San Francisco for the first time, you might have no idea where to put down roots. To help narrow that search, here are our picks for the three best places to live in San Francisco:   

Noe Valley: Best for raising families

Noe Valley is one of the most family-oriented spots in San Francisco, known for its rare sunny microclimate near the base of Twin Peaks and impeccably restored Victorian and Edwardian row homes. 

Families are drawn to this neighborhood’s peaceful ambiance with walkable streets, low crime rates, and highly rated public schools like Alvarado Elementary. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will also love the Upper Noe Recreation Center with athletic courts and picnic areas, while the bustling Noe Valley Town Square hosts a farmers market, storytime for kids, yoga classes, live performances, and other events to foster a strong community spirit. 

Mission District: Best for young adults

Just a couple miles from the Financial District near accessible transit lines, the Mission District offers an easy commute for young professionals who work downtown. Not to mention, it’s a perfect setting for when you’re off the clock as well.

This cultural hub features an edgy creative arts scene with colorful street murals, authentic Latin American eateries such as La Taqueria, and vibrant nightlife options, from hip music venues to chic cocktail lounges. 

With a mix of both new developments and historic preservation, this neighborhood fuses eclectic retro charm with cool urban vibes, making it a dynamic area to live, work, and play.

Bernal Heights: Best for affordability

If you want a neighborhood that’s cheaper than other parts of San Francisco, but still feels safe and energetic, look no further than Bernal Heights. 

With below average crime rates, community gardens, cozy Craftsman bungalows, tree-lined streets that lead to quirky secret staircases, and panoramic skyline views from Bernal Hill Park, this urban village brims with character. 

But don’t let the small town atmosphere fool you — when it comes to entertainment, Bernal Heights has you covered. Check out the local coffee shops, independent bookstores, artisan boutiques, and globally inspired restaurants on Cortland Avenue. Or mark your calendar for special events like the Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema and Urban Youth Arts Festival.

9. There’s no shortage of fun activities to explore in San Francisco

Whether you’re into urban attractions or outdoor recreation, San Francisco never disappoints. This list is by no means exhaustive (we could write an entire article on the local entertainment scene), but here are our top must-do activities in San Francisco:

• Rent bikes, then pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge to the bayfront town of Sausalito.

• Tour the notorious former prison on Alcatraz Island to learn all about its eerie past.

• Explore the diverse multimedia collections at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

• Climb to the summit of Twin Peaks for 360-degree views of the Downtown skyline.

• Meander through the Mission District to check out over 500 street mural installations.

• Peruse the shelves of City Lights, an indie bookstore in the North Beach neighborhood.

• Do some thrifting at the vinyl record shops and vintage boutiques in Haight-Ashbury.

• Snap a selfie in front of the Victorian-era “Pink Ladies” in Alamo Square’s postcard row.

• Climb the city’s steep hills and hairpin turns on a historic San Francisco cable car.

• Head to Chase Center for a Golden State Valkyries or Warriors basketball game.

• Savor fresh-caught fish, watch the sea lions, and enjoy live music at Fisherman’s Wharf.

• Discover Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres of lush green space and recreational activities.

• Hike along the coastal bluffs, scenic outlooks, and Sutro Bath ruins of Lands End Trail.

• Unleash your imagination at the Exploratorium, a hands-on museum for all ages.   

• Immerse yourself in all the restaurants, architecture, and cultural events of Chinatown.

• Catch a movie at The Roxie Theatre, one of this nation’s oldest indie cinema venues.

• See more than 8,000 exotic and native plants at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

• Walk up the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a mosaic staircase in Golden Gate Heights.

• Stroll in the sand or watch a Pacific Ocean sunset on the golden shores of Baker Beach.

• Experience the San Francisco Bay from the vantage point of a kayak or paddleboard.

• Taste global cuisine, from noodles to street tacos, at Off The Grid’s food truck markets.

10. Who can forget about San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge?

We can’t talk about moving to San Francisco without paying tribute to this architectural marvel where the Pacific Ocean meets the San Francisco Bay. Not only is the Golden Gate Bridge one of this nation’s most iconic landmarks — it’s also an enduring symbol of the Golden City itself. 

Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge on earth at that time, and it still remains an impressive sight today, with its vibrant orange color and unique Art Deco design.   

Locals take pride in the Golden Gate Bridge, both for its fame and what it represents to the community — American resolve and ingenuity. Whether it’s immersed in fog or illuminated by a sunset, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the city’s main attractions for visitors and residents alike. 

You can walk or cycle across the bridge for panoramic views of Alcatraz Island, the Pacific Ocean, and Downtown San Francisco. You can catch a glimpse of this renowned structure while hiking in the coastal Marin Headlands trail network. Or you can grab some coffee, enjoy a picnic lunch, and soak up the Golden Gate Bridge’s beauty from Chrissy Field.

Should I Move to San Francisco?

As you can see, living in San Francisco comes with its fair share of selling points — but there are some potential drawbacks. Here’s a quick recap of both the pros and cons of living in San Francisco.

Pros of moving to San Francisco

• Mild weather all year-round

• Recovering job market and high salaries

• Diverse communities and neighborhoods

• Excellent public transit system

• Mix of both urban and nature activities

• World-class higher education

• Iconic cultural attractions and landmarks

• Close proximity to the ocean 

Cons of moving to San Francisco

• Expensive cost of living

• Inflated housing and rental markets

• High crime in certain areas

Ready to Move to San Francisco? Colonial Van Lines Is Here to Help

If you’re a fan of breezy coastal weather, breathtaking nature views, and buzzy urban entertainment — and the steep cost of living isn’t a deal-breaker for you — then moving to San Francisco should absolutely be at the top of your to-do list. 

When it’s time to make the leap, let Colonial Van Lines handle all the logistics. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance moving, our team of highly trained movers has the expertise required for a seamless arrival in San Francisco. The Golden City is calling your name, so contact us for a free moving quote today!