Comparing life in San Francisco, California, and Columbus, Ohio, is crucial for both potential residents and tourists. Various factors such as the cost of living, education, culture, and geography can make a huge difference in this decision. Both cities have their unique advantages, with San Francisco popular for its eclectic culture and booming tech industry and Columbus known for its friendly atmosphere and thriving industries. Here, we compare these two cities across various aspects.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Columbus, OH : 2,110.0 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 11%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of San Francisco has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) during that time.
Statistically, San Francisco has a higher crime rate than Columbus, which might be a concern for potential residents or tourists. However, the crime rate varies across different neighborhoods. While it's generally safe to walk around in both cities during the daytime, caution should be exercised after dark, especially in less populated areas.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Columbus is 573 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Francisco than in Columbus.
Cost of Living
San Francisco is notorious for its high cost of living, with housing costs being significantly higher than the national average. In contrast, Columbus offers a much more affordable lifestyle. Food, transportation, health care, and other necessary expenses are also cheaper in Columbus than in San Francisco.
Income Tax
Both California and Ohio have progressive income tax systems, with California's highest bracket being significantly higher, impacting the high-income tech professionals in San Francisco. Ohio's highest income tax rate is lower, making it financially friendlier for high earners compared to San Francisco.
Property Tax
Despite high property values, San Francisco has a relatively low property tax rate. On the other hand, Columbus's property tax is relatively high, sometimes balancing out its lower housing costs.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax is higher than Ohio's, with San Francisco levying additional city sales tax, making it one of the areas with the highest sales tax in the U.S. Columbus has a lower sales tax rate.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $73,413 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco is characterized by its hills and coastal location, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Columbus is flatter and landlocked, characterized by its river-centered design around the Scioto River.
Both cities offer good education opportunities. San Francisco has proximity to several world-class universities like Stanford and Berkeley, while Columbus houses the Ohio State University. Both cities also have commendable public and private school systems.
San Francisco is home to the booming tech industry, making it a great place for professionals in this sector. Columbus, on the other hand, boasts a diverse economy with industries ranging from education and health to insurance and logistics. Columbus also has a lower unemployment rate compared to San Francisco.
Biggest Employers
Tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook are among the biggest employers in San Francisco. In Columbus, The Ohio State University, Nationwide, and the government are the largest employers.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 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 Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
2020
85.3%
64.7%
12.7%
33.4%
2.0%
1.9%
2016
84.6%
59.8%
9.2%
33.9%
6.2%
6.2%
2012
83.5%
60.8%
13.0%
37.9%
3.4%
1.3%
2008
84.4%
59.8%
13.7%
39.0%
2.0%
1.2%
2004
83.0%
54.5%
15.2%
45.2%
1.8%
0.3%
2000
75.7%
48.9%
16.1%
47.9%
8.1%
3.2%
1996
72.2%
48.1%
15.7%
44.5%
12.1%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
13.2%
9.6%
5.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
3.5%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
1.3%
1.2%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
1.6%
8.4%
6.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
1.0%
2.5%
3.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.6%
1.7%
3.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
Weather
San Francisco's weather is mild throughout the year, with cool and foggy summers and mild winters, while Columbus has a more extreme climate. Winters in Columbus can be harsh with snowfall, and summers are hot and humid. For those who enjoy a changing season, Columbus might be the better choice.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
12%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
49.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
55%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
28%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
San Francisco
Columbus
2018
104
69
0.35
0.11
11.3
10.0
23.4
33.8
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
6.0
0.4
0.0
2017
96
68
0.40
0.16
11.4
9.6
22.5
28.7
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
5.5
0.6
0.1
2016
68
76
0.39
0.17
10.6
10.6
22.4
28.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
5.6
0.8
0.1
2015
85
74
0.41
0.16
12.1
11.3
22.5
27.0
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
6.1
0.8
0.1
2014
85
82
0.38
0.20
12.1
11.0
21.8
28.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.7
7.4
0.6
0.5
2013
88
78
0.40
N/A
13.9
8.9
20.4
29.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
7.8
0.5
0.6
2012
75
87
0.40
N/A
12.8
N/A
22.7
32.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
8.9
1.1
N/A
2011
86
89
0.24
N/A
14.1
N/A
21.3
28.1
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
8.9
1.7
N/A
2010
84
90
0.21
N/A
13.4
N/A
22.0
30.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.1
1.0
N/A
2009
95
61
0.30
N/A
15.1
N/A
20.4
28.7
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
N/A
1.1
N/A
2008
94
65
0.43
N/A
15.6
N/A
21.7
31.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
0.9
1.8
2007
84
80
0.45
N/A
15.6
N/A
20.5
30.8
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.2
2.8
2006
86
75
0.52
N/A
16.1
N/A
21.5
30.0
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
3.3
2005
89
87
0.39
N/A
14.8
N/A
20.5
29.6
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
4.1
2004
93
77
0.44
N/A
16.1
N/A
20.9
27.8
0.004
N/A
24.6
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
4.4
2003
65
91
0.64
N/A
18.4
N/A
19.7
26.4
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
4.1
2002
62
93
0.69
N/A
18.6
N/A
19.6
31.3
0.008
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.1
2001
64
84
0.72
N/A
19.2
N/A
19.0
29.2
0.008
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.5
2000
60
57
0.71
N/A
20.3
N/A
17.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
16%
Transportation
San Francisco has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, light rail, and the famous cable cars, but traffic can be heavy. In Columbus, while there are buses and cabs available, many people find it more convenient to drive.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
453
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Bicycle
2.7%
0.6%
Bus
11.4%
1.6%
Carpooled
9.1%
7.4%
Car alone
53.9%
86.7%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Average
38 min
26.1 min
Other means
28.3 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
35.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Francisco is among the most expensive in the US. Columbus offers a much more affordable housing market, with prices well below the national average.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods, each with a unique charm. San Francisco is known for districts such as Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, while Columbus’s German Village and Victorian Village offer historic charm.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Houses
412,269
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1953
1982
Median year house/condo built
1942
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$1,371
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,110
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$219,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$233,452
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$121,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$215,337
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$240,711
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$121,578
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$218,726
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$229,736
Median house age
76
42
Renting percentage
64.2%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
2,007.5
House value disparities
18.7%
30.2%
Household income disparities
41.7%
42.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$89,058
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$59,295
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
13,558 (10.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Columbus
One, detached
19.1%
45.8%
One, attached
12.1%
9.1%
Two
9.0%
4.0%
3 or 4
11.4%
8.6%
5 to 9
9.0%
11.8%
10 to 19
9.3%
8.6%
20 to 49
11.3%
4.5%
50 or more
18.7%
6.8%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
20,915
State government workers
22,691
31,881
Unpaid family workers
399
724
Industries and Occupations
San Francisco's dominant industries are technology, finance, and tourism. Columbus is home to a wide range of industries, with emphasis in education, government, and insurance.
San Francisco has world-class healthcare facilities and numerous hospitals. Columbus also offers excellent healthcare, anchored by the medical research and facilities provided by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco boasts impressive infrastructure with notable landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and iconic cable cars. Columbus has a more laid-back urban design but also includes standout structures like the Scioto Mile park and short north district.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Columbus
Hospitals
16
47
TV stations
18
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
281
200
Bank institutions located here
52
25
Main business address for public companies
68
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Columbus
1999
1,402
2,450
2000
1,000
2,376
2001
733
1,897
2002
870
1,483
2003
1,576
2,087
2004
2,147
3,216
2005
2,344
4,275
2006
2,511
4,662
2007
2,117
2,679
2008
1,575
1,015
2009
952
555
Culture and Food
San Francisco boasts a diverse cultural scene with an array of international cuisines, famous landmarks, and art scenes. Columbus also offers a vibrant culture and food scene with midwestern charm, including world-class art festivals and a budding craft beer scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans may prefer San Francisco, home to famous teams like the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and Golden State Warriors (NBA). Columbus is home to the NHL's Blue Jackets and the MLS's Columbus Crew.
San Francisco, CA
Columbus, OH
San Francisco, CA and 
Columbus, OH : 2,110.0 miles
