Trying to decide between moving to Los Angeles or San Francisco? Both of these coastal California cities offer fun outdoor recreation, great job opportunities, and more. We compared LA and SF based on their costs of living, things to do, ideal demographics, and other factors to help you determine which city is right for you. Learn more about living in Los Angeles vs. San Francisco in this guide!
Should You Move to Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Both LA and San Francisco are considered some of America’s best cities, so the one you choose to move to will largely depend on your needs, budget, and lifestyle. If you’re interested in entertainment and media, or you’re seeking easier access to a broader range of amenities—including beaches and nightlife—Los Angeles could be a great fit. On the other hand, San Francisco is located near Silicon Valley, offers a mix of diverse neighborhoods, and is one of the best cities for young professionals, thanks in part to its tech scene and reputation for innovation!
Consider the Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
Los Angeles and San Francisco are large, popular cities with ample amenities—so it’s no surprise that they’re two of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. However, from housing costs to average incomes, there are key differences that affect each city’s overall living expenses. Check out the cost of living in San Francisco and LA’s cost of living to compare how far your dollar goes in each of these California cities.
Los Angeles Offers Affordable Housing Options
LA’s cost of living is 72% higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive place to live—though still considerably more affordable than San Francisco. One of the biggest areas where residents save is housing, with a median home price of $670,700. While LA is often associated with luxury and exclusivity, higher-than-average salaries and affordable housing programs help offset the city’s higher costs. Residents on a budget can seek housing in safe, affordable neighborhoods like Encino, Los Feliz, and Porter Ranch—which offer great amenities and plenty of fun things to do.
SF’s Higher Costs Come With Unique Benefits
The cost of living in San Francisco is 137% higher than the national average, with a median home price of $1,152,300, making it considerably more expensive than Los Angeles. However, it remains one of the best places to live on the West Coast thanks to its strong job market, cultural diversity, and quality of life. The city’s median household income is 115% above the U.S. average—significantly higher than LA’s—which helps offset the higher cost of living. And while housing prices are higher overall, safe, affordable SF neighborhoods like Bernal Heights and Excelsior provide residents with a place to settle down and enjoy the city’s eclectic mix of parks, dining, and arts at more manageable prices.
Q: Is Los Angeles or San Francisco more expensive?
A: Living in San Francisco is significantly more expensive than in Los Angeles, with a cost of living that’s 137% above the national average compared to LA’s 72%. That said, many SF residents feel that the city’s higher salaries and thriving tech scene help justify its higher costs.
Start Your Career in Los Angeles & San Francisco
Los Angeles and San Francisco offer vastly different job markets, though both offer fantastic opportunities within their respective industries. While LA is an entertainment hub, SF is known as a tech paradise.
Work in Los Angeles Media & Entertainment
If you’re looking for a job in the creative fields, there’s no better place to be than LA. The city of Los Angeles has an unemployment rate that’s on par with the U.S. average and contains one of the largest entertainment and media industries in the U.S.! In fact, this industry delivers over $30 billion to California and supports more than 200,000 local jobs—with a variety of incentives and resources for aspiring creatives. Work in the city of LA at media companies like Digital Domain or notable game developers like Riot Games. If you’re interested in key industries outside of entertainment, you can also find jobs in Los Angeles in aerospace, bioscience, trade, and more. Or secure employment at massive Fortune 500 companies within larger LA County like Molina Healthcare, Southern California Edison, and more!
Check Out San Francisco’s Bustling Tech Scene
With a lower unemployment rate of just 3.3% and exciting opportunities in the tech industry, San Francisco is known as one of the best U.S. cities for jobs. SF has key sectors in IT and software, social and digital media, life sciences, and more. Just south of the city, Silicon Valley anchors the global startup ecosystem, with over 40,000 startups in the region and a thriving culture of innovation—making it a haven for young professionals looking for work in life sciences, fintech, AI, and more. Nearly 77% of the region’s software engineers are employed in tech roles, and the Bay Area leads the nation with tech jobs making up 11.6% of all employment. Work for Apple, or thrive at the headquarters of other tech giants like Salesforce, Dropbox, and Square!
Q: Is Los Angeles or San Francisco better for jobs?
A: Whether it’s better to work in Los Angeles or San Francisco depends on the job you’re searching for. San Francisco has a high concentration of high-paying tech jobs in and around Silicon Valley, whereas Los Angeles is one of the world’s entertainment capitals with plentiful opportunities in television, film, music, and more.
Navigate Los Angeles & San Francisco
Regardless of which eclectic city you choose to live in, transportation is an important consideration. Both Los Angeles and San Francisco offer various public transit opportunities for you to take advantage of.
Get Around in Car-Centric Los Angeles
Known for being a car-dependent city, nearly 93% of all passenger travel in LA is done via car, making ridesharing and vanpooling common ways to get around. However, the City of Angels also boasts robust bus, subway, and light rail systems to help residents move around the LA metro with ease. Travel across Downtown Los Angeles and 27 other neighborhoods throughout the city with busing from LADOT DASH. Enjoy unlimited free rides in and around LA as a K-12 or community college student with GoPass. Or, if you need to fly anywhere within or outside the country, head to the famed Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Take Advantage of San Francisco Public Transit
In contrast to car-dependent Los Angeles, the Bay Area is incredibly walkable, has several bike lanes and bike trails, and is dominated by various types of cutting-edge transit options. Access all-in-one San Francisco public transportation through the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, the San Francisco Bay Ferry, and and other regional transit options by topping off your Clipper Card. Ride to work in the Silicon Valley or anywhere else throughout the city using the Commuter Shuttle Program. Or, if you prefer private transit, sign up for shuttle services from Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation, the San Francisco Minibus, and more.
Q: Is it easy to get around Los Angeles and San Francisco?
A: Both Los Angeles and San Francisco have public transportation systems in place to make it easier for residents to navigate their metro areas. While SF has a more extensive public transit system and great walkability, the city of LA offers helpful ridesharing options and affordable transit opportunities for students.
Pursue Higher Education in Los Angeles & San Francisco
Los Angeles and San Francisco are both home to well-known institutions and universities for residents looking to further their education. If you’re thinking about getting your degree in California, here are some of the many higher education options you’ll find in LA and SF.
Study at Top Los Angeles Schools
The LA metro is home to a number of great colleges and universities! Enroll at one of the top public universities in the U.S.—offering degrees in psychology, sociology, political science, and more—at the renowned University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). Choose from majors like accounting, aerospace engineering, business administration, and more at the private University of Southern California (USC). Are you an aspiring engineer? Enroll at one of the best national universities with core STEM programs like chemical engineering, computer science, and mathematics at Caltech. Or earn your MFA in cinematography, directing, or production design at the American Film Institute.
Earn Your Degree in San Francisco
San Francisco has a variety of higher education options, including specialized universities in fields like technology that feed into Silicon Valley startups. Enroll at the nation’s best public research university and look into top-rated engineering programs just a half hour from San Francisco at the esteemed UC Berkeley. Study dentistry, medicine, nursing, or pharmacy at one of the best medical schools in the U.S., the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). Channel your creativity in animation, fashion, architecture, and more at the Academy of Art University. Or enhance your performing skills in keyboard, percussion, brass, and other focus areas at one of the nation’s best music schools, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Q: Are the colleges and universities better in LA or SF?
A: Both Los Angeles and San Francisco boast some of the nation’s top schools in different fields. Los Angeles has a wider range of both public and private universities, while San Francisco offers more specialized colleges—including ones that feed into Silicon Valley’s top tech jobs.
Get Outside in Los Angeles & San Francisco
While Los Angeles and San Francisco are both warm California cities with access to beautiful beaches and parks, each city provides unique outdoor recreation opportunities. Check out some of the best outdoor activities in LA and SF below!
Embrace Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
With 284 sunny days per year, the Los Angeles climate is typically warm and sunny, making it perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Go surfing, enjoy other water sports, or sunbathe at stunning LA beaches like Malibu Surfrider Beach, Venice Beach, and El Porto Beach. Take your pup to splash around at a dog-friendly beach like Rosie’s Dog Beach. Or explore other kinds of outdoor recreation in this SoCal city, including hiking trails with stunning views of the LA skyline at Griffith Observatory, the 160-acre Runyon Canyon Park, and more!
Enjoy Beaches & More in San Francisco
The City by the Bay boasts a warm, yet milder climate with rainy winters and dry summers—and all kinds of exciting outdoor activities. While this Northern California city is great for beaches, it’s also home to stunning parks and green spaces, including McLaren Park, Mission Dolores Park, and Golden Gate Park. Enjoy scenic hiking and biking trails or relax at breathtaking Baker Beach, located on the Southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge in the iconic Presidio. Or tee off at one of the many beautiful golf courses in San Francisco, including Gleaneagles Golf Course, Lincoln Park Golf Course, and more!
Q: Is it hotter in Los Angeles or San Francisco?
A: Los Angeles tends to be slightly warmer than San Francisco. On average, LA temperatures range from an annual high of 72 degrees to an annual low of 56 degrees, compared to San Francisco’s average high of 64 degrees and average low of 51 degrees. That said, both cities offer plenty of fun ways to cool off during the summer—including a refreshing dip at one of their many beaches.
Experience Los Angeles & San Francisco Culture
As two hugely popular cities in California, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Los Angeles or San Francisco. While both cities offer great food and sports scenes, LA is filled with more media and entertainment hot spots, while SF is home to iconic landmarks and rich cultural experiences.
Explore Eclectic Los Angeles Recreation
Los Angeles is flush with art, entertainment, and culture. Explore street murals throughout the city, or stop by one of the best art museums in the U.S., the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). See amazing concerts and live events at the Hollywood Bowl, or attend incredible music and dance performances in Downtown Los Angeles at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or The Music Center. Spend the day in Hollywood seeing life-like celebrity statues at the Hollywood Wax Museum, strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or hiking towards the iconic Hollywood Sign. Gather a group of friends to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) hit home runs at Dodger Stadium—or head just outside LA to SoFi Stadium to see game-winning touchdowns from the Los Angeles Rams or Los Angeles Chargers (NFL). Make reservations for a dinner of Ricotta Gnocchi, Saffron Chitarra, or Squid Ink Spaghetti at popular Los Angeles Italian restaurant Bestia. Or treat yourself to Mexican food in Los Angeles and order the Bistecitos de Res or Arroz con Pollo with a famous “Flaming Margarita” at El Compadre.
Visit San Francisco’s Cultural Hubs
In addition to iconic San Francisco landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the picturesque Painted Ladies, and City Lights bookstore, the city is a melting pot of art and cultural experiences. Take a walking tour, grab a bite at top Chinese restaurants, and attend events and festivals at one of the largest Chinatowns in the U.S., San Francisco Chinatown. Shop for jewelry and clothing, or order San Francisco sushi and ramen at top restaurants within Japantown San Francisco. See why San Francisco is considered the LGBTQ+ capital of the world by getting involved in events associated with San Francisco Pride. Root for San Francisco sports teams as the Golden State Warriors (NBA) sink buzzer-beaters at the Chase Center or the San Francisco Giants (MLB) hit pop flies at Oracle Park. Or support SF arts by getting tickets to performances at the Orpheum Theatre or appreciating local works at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Q: Is Los Angeles or San Francisco better for attractions?
A: Whether Los Angeles or San Francisco attractions are better depends on your personal preference. LA is known for Hollywood landmarks, live entertainment, pro sports, and diverse dining, while SF stands out for its cultural neighborhoods, historic sites, and vibrant arts scene. Both cities provide a wide variety of unique experiences to suit any interest.
Raise a Family in Los Angeles & San Francisco
Trying to decide whether you should raise a family in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles? Both cities offer plenty of perks to consider! From schools to museums, these are some of the best amenities LA and SF offer to growing families.
Find Kid-Friendly Attractions in Los Angeles
While LA is popular with young adults, it’s also a great place for families—offering plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods where you can settle down. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)—the second largest school district in the nation—provides more than 1,000 schools across the metro area, and families can also find top private high schools in LA like the Windward School and Polytechnic School. There’s no shortage of fun, kid-friendly activities in LA either! Explore attractions like Muddy Boot Farm and Winding Willow Lake at Kidspace Children’s Museum, or get up close with animals like gorillas, bighorn sheep, and elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo. Spend time on the coast visiting beachside shops and watching street performers at the Santa Monica Pier, or shop from local artisans and LA vendors at the Grand Central Market. Or bring the family to one of LA’s many farmers markets—whether you want to listen to live music at the Hollywood Farmers Market, get your faces painted at the Studio City Farmers Market, or browse fresh flowers at The Original Los Angeles Flower Market!
Let Your Kids Thrive in San Francisco
If you’re moving your family to the Golden City, rest assured there are plenty of great schools, family-friendly SF neighborhoods, and fun attractions to keep your kiddos busy! Get your kids a fantastic education through the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), or enroll them in top-rated private schools like San Francisco University High School or Lick-Wilmerding High School. Let your little ones explore their creativity through exhibits like FutureBuilders, Lil’ Critter City, and Play Patio at the Children’s Creativity Museum. Learn about astronomy, biology, and engineering at the Exploratorium. Figure out challenging escape rooms, navigate Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, or voyage through San Francisco Bay at PIER 39. See more than 200 species of marine animals—including rays, skates, sea stars, and anemones—at Aquarium of the Bay. Or walk through miles of historic neighborhood streets to check out local vendors and participate in free family-friendly events at Sunday Streets SF.
Q: Are Los Angeles and San Francisco good places to live with kids?
A: Both Los Angeles and San Francisco are family-friendly places to live, with strong schools and kid-focused activities. LA offers more space, outdoor fun, and a large public school system, while SF stands out for its walkable neighborhoods, interactive museums, and creative learning experiences.
Feel the Youthful Energy in Los Angeles & San Francisco
In order to decide between living in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles as a young professional, you’ll want to consider the type of social scenes and connections you’re seeking. Both cities provide renter-friendly areas, unique recreation and nightlife options, and more!
Soak in the Vibrant Los Angeles Lifestyle
As a hub for fun nightlife and great community activities, Los Angeles offers a variety of cool places to live and hang out. Some of the best neighborhoods in LA for singles and young professionals include Beverlywood, Los Feliz, and Venice. If you’re looking for renter-friendly places to live, Encino, Sawtelle, and Westwood are other great options. Browse iconic art pieces like Julie Mehretu’s Congress, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Santo 2, and Andy Warhol’s Liz at The Broad. Celebrate your love for cinema by attending one of Los Angeles’s many annual film festivals, including LA Comedy Film Fest, LA Horror Film Fest, LA Queer Film Fest, and more. Grab tickets to see live concerts from underground acts like Youth Code, Ryan Woods, and Amelia Moore at The Echo. Get some friends together to experience eclectic LA nightclubs like the high-energy Mayan Night Club or the sleek rooftop Elevate Lounge. Try out mixed drinks and cocktails on Hollywood Boulevard at the Frolic Room. Or find casual brews and fun events at Los Angeles breweries like Angel City Brewery or the Arts District Brewing Company.
Appreciate San Francisco’s Lively Attractions
SF is one of the best places in the U.S. for singles and young professionals thanks to its diverse array of things to do, thriving tech scene, and more! Settle down in top SF neighborhoods for singles and young professionals—like Noe Valley, Mission District, or SoMa—or check out a few of the best places to rent a home in San Francisco, including Haight-Ashbury, Western Addition, and South of Market. Sign up for a 12K run across the stunning San Francisco Bay to enjoy the Finish Festival and beer garden at Bay to Breakers. Find five stages for live music, 50 food vendors, 250 exhibits, and a 20-block grand parade at the largest multicultural festival on the West Coast, Carnaval San Francisco. Browse rotating exhibits from local artists, check out the signature speaker series, and volunteer for the MakeArt program at the Museum of Craft and Design. Catch big games while trying out tap beers at BuzzWorks, or try bespoke spirits and rum at the pirate-themed Smuggler’s Cove. Have fun drinking and dancing to EDM hits with friends in the Bonaparte Room at Hawthorn San Francisco. Or enjoy the more laid-back side of San Francisco nightlife with craft brews from low-key spots like Magnolia Brewing Co. and San Francisco Brewing Co.
Q: Is Los Angeles or San Francisco better for singles and young professionals?
A: Both California cities appeal to singles and young professionals for different reasons. Los Angeles offers a wide range of nightlife and entertainment options, and San Francisco is a tech-savvy city with top jobs for young professionals and fun community events.
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