Comparing San Francisco, CA to Boise, ID highlights varying strengths between these two major American cities regarding the ease of living and general attractiveness. San Francisco is a bustling, diverse, and culturally rich city with a high cost of living and solid job prospects in tech industries. Conversely, Boise offers a slower pace of life, an affordable cost of living, and claims a booming job growth across multiple sectors. Whether these cities will suit an individual or a family will depend on one's lifestyle preferences and professional endeavors.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Boise, ID : 518.4 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 243%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Boise has grown by 51,659 people (27.8%) during that time.
San Francisco is lauded for its cosmopolitan allure, but does contend with a higher crime rate compared to Boise. There is a significant disparity in safety, with San Francisco ranking lower in terms of overall safety. It sees more violent and property crimes. Boise, notwithstanding, boasts lower crime rates, making it one of the safer cities in the US, suited for both families and individuals. Extra safety measures are always encouraged, irrespective of where you are.
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 834 registered sex offenders living in San Francisco and 782 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,044 to 1; the ratio in Boise is 285 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Francisco than in Boise.
Cost of Living
Living in San Francisco can be exorbitantly expensive, primarily due to high housing prices, making it one of the priciest U.S. cities. By comparison, Boise offers a much more affordable cost of living, especially regarding housing. Its overall cost of living is below the national average, appealing to many looking to relocate or for an affordable vacation.
Income Tax
California residents face a high state income tax rate, which is progressive up to 13.3%. However, Idaho follows a more moderate, progressive income tax structure, with the highest rate being 6.925%.
Property Tax
Even though San Francisco homeowners face high property values, California does have lower property tax rates than many states. Contrastingly, Idaho, and consequently Boise, implements higher property tax rates but lower real estate prices.
Sales Tax
California, home to San Francisco, holds one of the highest state-level sales taxes in the US, currently at 7.25%. On the other hand, Idaho, where Boise resides, imposes a more moderate state sales tax of 6%.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$70,217
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$42,814
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
95.8
If you make $50,000 in Boise, you will have to make $73,643 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco's geographical features include the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, beautiful coastal beaches, and rolling hills. In contrast, Boise appeals to the outdoor adventurous with foothills, desert landscapes, and the Boise River.
Both cities have a strong education system. San Francisco boasts top-notch universities such as the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Meanwhile, Boise is home to Boise State University, renowned for its research programs. Both cities also have well-regarded public and private schools, making them good choices for families.
San Francisco forms the hub of the booming tech industry, offering vast job opportunities in tech companies. However, Boise's economy isn't far behind. It's one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, with a solid job market extending beyond technology to healthcare, government, and manufacturing sectors.
Biggest Employers
Not surprisingly, in San Francisco, some of the largest employers include top tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Salesforce. In contrast, Boise's major employers consist of Micron Technology, St. Luke's Health System, and the State of Idaho.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 856 building permits issued in Boise in 2012 (497 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 Boise (Ada County), 42.3% voted for Democrats and 53.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
2020
85.3%
46.6%
12.7%
50.5%
2.0%
2.8%
2016
84.6%
38.8%
9.2%
48.1%
6.2%
13.0%
2012
83.5%
42.3%
13.0%
53.5%
3.4%
4.1%
2008
84.4%
45.5%
13.7%
51.6%
2.0%
2.9%
2004
83.0%
37.8%
15.2%
61.2%
1.8%
1.0%
2000
75.7%
33.1%
16.1%
61.0%
8.1%
5.9%
1996
72.2%
36.6%
15.7%
52.5%
12.1%
10.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
6.7%
9.6%
2.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.6%
3.5%
1.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.2%
1.2%
0.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
0.6%
8.4%
3.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.7%
2.5%
2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.6%
1.7%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.5%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.9%
2.3%
Weather
Climate considerations exhibit stark contrasts: San Francisco, sitting on California's Pacific coastline, serves mild winters and cool summers, characterized by coastal fog. Boise, situated inland, experiences a semi-arid continental climate, witnessing hot summers and cold winters. However, Boise often sees more sunshine annually than San Francisco.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
51.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
57.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
20%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
40 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
20%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
68.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
53%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
32%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Boise, Idaho
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
San Francisco
Boise
2018
104
89
0.35
0.63
11.3
N/A
23.4
27.2
0.012
N/A
21.3
N/A
11.9
8.0
0.4
0.3
2017
96
107
0.40
0.43
11.4
N/A
22.5
28.0
0.008
N/A
23.2
N/A
9.9
10.3
0.6
0.3
2016
68
85
0.39
0.39
10.6
N/A
22.4
25.5
0.005
N/A
21.6
N/A
7.9
6.0
0.8
0.7
2015
85
93
0.41
0.50
12.1
N/A
22.5
24.7
0.004
N/A
24.7
N/A
7.9
6.9
0.8
0.6
2014
85
49
0.38
0.39
12.1
N/A
21.8
24.7
0.005
N/A
20.1
N/A
7.7
N/A
0.6
0.7
2013
88
58
0.40
0.35
13.9
N/A
20.4
24.3
0.004
N/A
25.6
N/A
10.2
N/A
0.5
2.6
2012
75
89
0.40
0.39
12.8
N/A
22.7
27.0
0.003
N/A
26.4
N/A
8.2
N/A
1.1
1.2
2011
86
67
0.24
0.35
14.1
N/A
21.3
31.1
0.003
N/A
20.5
N/A
9.5
N/A
1.7
0.9
2010
84
81
0.21
0.40
13.4
9.0
22.0
26.7
0.004
N/A
18.8
N/A
10.6
12.8
1.0
0.3
2009
95
75
0.30
0.62
15.1
9.8
20.4
27.2
0.005
N/A
21.5
N/A
12.8
6.1
1.1
0.3
2008
94
82
0.43
0.67
15.6
N/A
21.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
22.7
N/A
11.7
9.3
0.9
N/A
2007
84
105
0.45
0.55
15.6
N/A
20.5
N/A
0.007
N/A
24.2
N/A
8.9
11.2
1.2
N/A
2006
86
96
0.52
0.64
16.1
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
8.7
8.7
1.6
N/A
2005
89
92
0.39
0.81
14.8
N/A
20.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.7
N/A
8.8
8.1
1.3
N/A
2004
93
89
0.44
0.89
16.1
N/A
20.9
31.7
0.004
N/A
23.3
N/A
11.2
7.2
2.5
N/A
2003
65
72
0.64
1.02
18.4
N/A
19.7
28.4
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
N/A
2002
62
78
0.69
1.04
18.6
N/A
19.6
32.2
0.008
N/A
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2001
64
75
0.72
1.06
19.2
N/A
19.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2000
60
59
0.71
1.05
20.3
18.3
17.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
5.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
2,314.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
5%
Transportation
San Francisco features an extensive public transportation network, including the iconic cable cars and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), simplifying commuting here. However, congestion can be a problem. Conversely, Boise's transportation is generally reliant on private vehicles, although public transit options are increasing.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
453
737
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Bicycle
2.7%
2.5%
Bus
11.4%
0.2%
Carpooled
9.1%
5.4%
Car alone
53.9%
89.1%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Average
38 min
23.5 min
Other means
28.3 min
18.9 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
36 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
91.9%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
6.7%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Francisco's real estate market is notorious for being one of the most expensive in the country. Boise real estate has traditionally been affordable; however, home prices have been rising rapidly due to increased demand from newcomers moving in for a lower cost of living.
Neighborhoods
Each city offers a range of neighborhoods to suit various lifestyles. San Francisco contains vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, each with distinct cultural elements. Whereas, Boise neighborhoods, such as North End and East End, are known for their charm and family-friendly environments.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Houses
412,269
104,110
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.4
Median year apartment built
1953
1985
Median year house/condo built
1942
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
99,250 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
62,684 (63.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
36,566 (36.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$965.22
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,184
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$290,076
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$460,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$511,096
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$444,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$369,189
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$79,284
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$421,814
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$486,650
Median house age
76
38
Renting percentage
64.2%
38.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,632.4
House value disparities
18.7%
27.1%
Household income disparities
41.7%
43.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$101,590
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$62,286
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
1,657 (3.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
4,888 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
41,976 (96.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
51 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
5,293 (12.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Boise
One, detached
19.1%
63.8%
One, attached
12.1%
7.2%
Two
9.0%
2.0%
3 or 4
11.4%
6.5%
5 to 9
9.0%
4.2%
10 to 19
9.3%
5.4%
20 to 49
11.3%
3.7%
50 or more
18.7%
3.7%
Mobile homes
0.1%
3.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
9,168
State government workers
22,691
8,189
Unpaid family workers
399
172
Industries and Occupations
San Francisco's economy is anchored by the tech industry, but also has strong finance, healthcare, and tourism sectors. In Boise, the job landscape is more diverse, encompassing government, education, healthcare, and technology.
Regarding healthcare, both cities excel. San Francisco features numerous top-ranking hospitals while Boise's healthcare system, including the highly-rated St. Luke's Health System, provides comprehensive medical care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Boise
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco's infrastructure is developed and diverse with a focus on sustainability and arts. However, it can be crowded and strains under the population pressure. On another note, Boise's infrastructure continues to develop quickly to accommodate its rapid growth and makes a significant effort to promote community spaces and outdoor recreation.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Boise
Hospitals
16
15
TV stations
18
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
281
96
Bank institutions located here
52
21
Main business address for public companies
68
6
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
Boise
1999
1,402
984
2000
1,000
639
2001
733
423
2002
870
374
2003
1,576
525
2004
2,147
624
2005
2,344
1,209
2006
2,511
1,081
2007
2,117
628
2008
1,575
283
2009
952
146
Culture and Food
San Francisco excels in cultural diversity, its food scene mirroring this multiculturalism, from tradition-filled Chinatown to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants. Meanwhile, Boise's food scene is rising, featuring farm-to-table cuisines and a burgeoning wine industry.
Sports Teams
If you're a sports enthusiast, San Francisco hosts several professional teams, including the 49ers (NFL) and the Giants (MLB). Boise, lacking professional sports teams, does vibrate with college sports spirit, particularly for the Boise State Broncos.
San Francisco, CA and 
Boise, ID : 518.4 miles
San Francisco, CA and 
Boise, ID : 518.4 miles
