San Francisco, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, offer unique lifestyles and experiences influenced by their distinct geographical, cultural, economic, and social contexts. San Francisco offers cosmopolitan living with significant opportunities in diverse sectors and abundant cultural attractions, albeit at high living costs. In contrast, Albuquerque provides a more laid-back lifestyle with its unique mix of Native American, Hispanic, and Western cultures, and has a lower cost of living but higher crime rates. This comparison covers various aspects from cost of living, tax considerations, to food and sports teams to give a comprehensive understanding of life in both cities.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Albuquerque, NM : 897.4 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 45%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Albuquerque has grown by 113,992 people (25.4%) during that time.
Unfortunately, both San Francisco and Albuquerque face broad crime issues. Crime rates in San Francisco have seen fluctuations over the years and vary across neighborhoods. It has issues with property crimes, especially car break-ins. Albuquerque, in comparison, has higher crime rates, surpassing national averages particularly in the areas of violent and property crimes. Residents in Albuquerque have cited crime as a major concern. Both cities are investing in law enforcement and social programs to address these issues.
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 829 registered sex offenders living in San Francisco and 848 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Albuquerque is 660 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Francisco than in Albuquerque.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Francisco is significantly higher than in Albuquerque. Housing is the major factor driving the high cost in San Francisco, which ranks among the most expensive U.S. cities. Everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, and transportation also tend to be higher. In contrast, Albuquerque offers a lower cost of living with affordable housing, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar further.
Income Tax
California has a complex, progressive income tax system and the highest maximum state tax rate in the U.S. at 13.3%. New Mexico's state income tax rates are much lower, capped at 4.9%.
Property Tax
San Francisco falls within the California state property tax framework, with an average effective rate of 0.73%, while Albuquerque, in New Mexico, has a slightly lower rate estimated at approximately 0.70%.
Sales Tax
San Francisco sales tax is hefty compared to Albuquerque—8.5% versus Albuquerque's 7.88%. The latter is slightly less taxing for consumers, benefiting residents and those visiting for shorter terms alike.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$58,512
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$35,738
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
93.6
If you make $50,000 in Albuquerque, you will have to make $75,374 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco is unique for its hilly terrain and coastal setting, providing beautiful landscapes and vistas. Albuquerque is situated in the high desert and surrounded by mountains, offering a distinctively different but equally stunning natural surrounding.
San Francisco boasts world-class educational institutions, like the University of California, San Francisco, and is proximal to Stanford University. It also has excellent public and private schools for K-12 education. In Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico provides good higher education opportunities. However, its K-12 public education system often ranks lower on national scales, which could be a potential downside for families considering relocation.
San Francisco's economy is diverse, robust, and dynamic with strengths in sectors such as technology, finance, and tourism. The presence of Silicon Valley nearby also offers substantial employment opportunities in tech. Albuquerque has a more mixed economy, with sectors like healthcare, education, and retail providing many jobs. The city also has a burgeoning film and TV production industry, thanks to state incentives.
Biggest Employers
San Francisco's largest employers are Salesforce, the City and County of San Francisco, and UCSF. Other major employers include tech companies such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter. In contrast, Albuquerque's biggest employers include the University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Albuquerque Public Schools.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 773 building permits issued in Albuquerque in 2012 (19 more than in 2011).
In San Francisco (San Francisco County), 83.5% voted for Democrats and 13.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Albuquerque (Bernalillo County), 55.8% voted for Democrats and 39.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
2020
85.3%
61.3%
12.7%
36.7%
2.0%
2.0%
2016
84.6%
52.4%
9.2%
34.6%
6.2%
13.0%
2012
83.5%
55.8%
13.0%
39.4%
3.4%
4.9%
2008
84.4%
60.2%
13.7%
38.8%
2.0%
1.0%
2004
83.0%
51.6%
15.2%
47.4%
1.8%
0.9%
2000
75.7%
48.8%
16.1%
46.8%
8.1%
4.4%
1996
72.2%
48.3%
15.7%
43.2%
12.1%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
26.5%
9.6%
10.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.7%
3.5%
1.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.3%
1.2%
0.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
2.6%
8.4%
11.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.1%
2.5%
0.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
1.7%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.5%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
1.9%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.6%
0.2%
Weather
San Francisco has a mild, Mediterranean-like climate with cool, damp winters and dry summers. The famous San Francisco fog often rolls in, particularly in the summer, leading to cooler temperatures. Contrastly, Albuquerque enjoys sunny weather with a semi-arid climate. Winters are cold but less damp than San Francisco's, and it gets fairly hot in the summer. Both cities offer enjoyable outdoor experiences, but Albuquerque outshines with more annual sunshine.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
55.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
44.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
46%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
63%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
17%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
9.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
19.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
27.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
82.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
82%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
73%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
8.9 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
San Francisco
Albuquerque
2018
104
95
0.35
0.23
11.3
10.3
23.4
35.3
0.012
N/A
20.3
N/A
11.9
4.3
0.4
0.5
2017
96
82
0.40
0.24
11.4
10.4
22.5
33.5
0.008
N/A
18.4
N/A
9.9
5.7
0.6
0.4
2016
68
86
0.39
0.22
10.6
10.4
22.4
33.2
0.005
N/A
16.0
N/A
7.9
5.3
0.8
0.8
2015
85
84
0.41
0.23
12.1
11.2
22.5
30.8
0.004
N/A
16.0
N/A
7.9
6.1
0.8
0.7
2014
85
89
0.38
0.22
12.1
11.7
21.8
31.8
0.005
N/A
22.0
N/A
7.7
6.1
0.6
0.6
2013
88
91
0.40
0.22
13.9
11.8
20.4
34.1
0.004
N/A
21.8
N/A
10.2
5.7
0.5
0.8
2012
75
116
0.40
0.18
12.8
13.7
22.7
33.6
0.003
N/A
26.6
N/A
8.2
9.3
1.1
0.7
2011
86
130
0.24
0.21
14.1
13.5
21.3
34.0
0.003
N/A
28.6
N/A
9.5
9.9
1.7
0.4
2010
84
92
0.21
0.15
13.4
12.2
22.0
32.1
0.004
N/A
25.1
N/A
10.6
6.8
1.0
N/A
2009
95
81
0.30
0.16
15.1
12.5
20.4
30.4
0.005
N/A
26.2
N/A
12.8
6.9
1.1
N/A
2008
94
91
0.43
0.21
15.6
11.8
21.7
31.5
0.007
N/A
20.8
N/A
11.7
6.5
0.9
N/A
2007
84
112
0.45
0.29
15.6
13.0
20.5
31.4
0.007
N/A
19.7
N/A
8.9
6.7
1.2
N/A
2006
86
103
0.52
0.33
16.1
14.2
21.5
31.8
N/A
N/A
21.1
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
N/A
2005
89
85
0.39
0.32
14.8
13.9
20.5
29.7
N/A
N/A
20.0
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
N/A
2004
93
89
0.44
0.32
16.1
16.6
20.9
29.8
0.004
0.003
21.5
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
N/A
2003
65
115
0.64
0.37
18.4
17.6
19.7
31.9
N/A
0.004
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2002
62
91
0.69
0.43
18.6
18.9
19.6
29.1
0.008
0.005
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2001
64
81
0.72
0.67
19.2
17.2
19.0
29.4
0.008
N/A
20.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2000
60
95
0.71
0.81
20.3
17.0
17.1
27.9
0.017
N/A
17.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
6.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
802.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
9%
Transportation
San Francisco has an extensive public transportation system including BART, Muni buses, trams, and the iconic cable cars. Despite this, traffic congestion is a significant issue. Albuquerque's public transit is lesser known but includes buses and a commuter rail system. The city is more car-dependent, but traffic congestion is generally less.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
453
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
17
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Bicycle
2.7%
0.9%
Bus
11.4%
0.8%
Carpooled
9.1%
9.6%
Car alone
53.9%
85.1%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.2%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0%
Walked
8.3%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Average
38 min
24.5 min
Other means
28.3 min
20.8 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
37.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
91.6%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
6.6%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Francisco's real estate market is among the most expensive in the U.S. Housing can range from high-end apartments in skyscrapers to Victorian homes. On the other hand, Albuquerque's real estate is much more affordable with a wide range of options, from downtown lofts to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco is known for its diverse and unique neighborhoods like the bustling Financial District, the bohemian Haight-Ashbury, and the vibrant Mission District. In Albuquerque, neighborhoods like Nob Hill and the historic Old Town offer a mix of modern and traditional living.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Houses
412,269
256,814
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.4
Median year apartment built
1953
1983
Median year house/condo built
1942
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
243,582 (94.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
147,964 (60.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
95,618 (39.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$893.82
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,021
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$171,149
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$251,500
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$290,578
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$636,758
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$274,794
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$224,872
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$52,392
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$209,825
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$271,083
Median house age
76
38
Renting percentage
64.2%
39.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,421.7
House value disparities
18.7%
29.8%
Household income disparities
41.7%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$87,851
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$63,195
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
1,631 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
3,560 (3.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
97,744 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
309 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
6,864 (6.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Albuquerque
One, detached
19.1%
61.4%
One, attached
12.1%
6.6%
Two
9.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
11.4%
6.1%
5 to 9
9.0%
4.7%
10 to 19
9.3%
4.7%
20 to 49
11.3%
4.8%
50 or more
18.7%
6.3%
Mobile homes
0.1%
4.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
14,060
State government workers
22,691
20,531
Unpaid family workers
399
359
Industries and Occupations
In San Francisco, the biggest industries include technology, finance, healthcare, and tourism. Occupations in software development, management, and healthcare practice are common. Albuquerque's industries are diverse, including healthcare, retail, education, and film production. Jobs range from education and training to sales and office and administrative support.
Both cities offer good healthcare facilities. San Francisco has some of the best hospitals in the country, and healthcare is one of the largest sectors in the city. Albuquerque also has high-quality healthcare facilities, with healthcare emerging as one of the city's significant industries.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco is known for its impressive infrastructure including its iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The city is dense and well-planned, offering good public services. Albuquerque is more spread out, and while its infrastructure isn't as renowned as San Francisco's, it's continuously improving as the city grows and develops.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Albuquerque
Hospitals
16
36
TV stations
18
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
281
137
Bank institutions located here
52
24
Main business address for public companies
68
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Albuquerque
1999
1,402
2,651
2000
1,000
1,303
2001
733
752
2002
870
693
2003
1,576
1,022
2004
2,147
1,729
2005
2,344
2,199
2006
2,511
2,639
2007
2,117
1,575
2008
1,575
654
2009
952
368
Culture and Food
San Francisco is rich in cultural diversity, seen in its vibrant art, music, and culinary scenes. The city is famous for its seafood, sourdough bread, and international cuisine. Albuquerque's culture is a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Western influences, and its food scene highlights this through its delicious New Mexican cuisine.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to several major sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), the San Francisco Giants (MLB), and the Golden State Warriors (NBA). Albuquerque does not have any major league sports teams, but it does host the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and New Mexico United (USL Championship soccer).
San Francisco, CA
Albuquerque, NM
San Francisco, CA and 
Albuquerque, NM : 897.4 miles
