San Francisco and Long Beach are two of California's vibrant cities, each with unique characteristics. San Francisco, globally recognized for its tech industry, iconic landmarks, and high living standards, offers a bustling city life. In contrast, Long Beach, known for its port activities, diverse neighborhoods, and beachside attractions, carries a more laid-back feel. This comparison takes into account numerous factors to aid those seeking to relocate or tourists keen on exploring either city.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Long Beach, CA : 363.5 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 79%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
San Francisco has a relatively high crime rate compared to the national average, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Tourists are advised to avoid areas like the Tenderloin and parts of Mission District. Long Beach, on the other hand, has seen a decrease in crime over the years, but it still faces issues with property crimes and gang activities. Certain neighborhoods like North Long Beach are considered more crime-prone.
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 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 583 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Francisco than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
San Francisco is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the U.S, driven by high housing costs. The cost of goods, transportation, and health care are also significantly higher than the national average. Long Beach is also above the national average when it comes to the cost of living, but it is significantly less costly than San Francisco, particularly regarding housing.
Income Tax
Both cities are subject to California's progressively structured state income tax, ranging from 1% to 13.3% based on income level. There are no city-level income taxes in either San Francisco or Long Beach.
Property Tax
Despite their differences in real estate prices, both cities follow California's state-level property tax rate, which is 1% of the home's assessed value, with slight variations based on local assessment rates.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in San Francisco stands at 8.5%, while in Long Beach it’s slightly higher at 10.25%. Both rates are above the national average due to California's high state-level sales tax.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
142
If you make $50,000 in San Francisco, you will have to make $50,319 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, San Francisco is characterized by its hills and scenic coastlines, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. Long Beach, on the other hand, features flat terrains with a long coastal line offering pristine beach access.
San Francisco boasts of numerous top-ranking schools and universities including the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. It also has well-regarded public schools. Long Beach’s educational system is well-respected, with the Long Beach Unified School District receiving numerous accolades. It is home to California State University, Long Beach.
San Francisco forms part of the Silicon Valley, making it a significant tech hub with the presence of giants like Twitter, Salesforce, and Uber. Other key sectors include finance and tourism. Conversely, Long Beach's economy relies heavily on its ports, holding the second busiest container port in the US. Aerospace and health care also contribute significantly to the local economy.
Biggest Employers
San Francisco's biggest employers include the City of San Francisco, Salesforce, and Wells Fargo. In Long Beach, the biggest employers are Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, Long Beach Memorial Medical Centre, and the Port of Long Beach.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 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 Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
2020
85.3%
71.0%
12.7%
26.9%
2.0%
2.1%
2016
84.6%
72.0%
9.2%
22.5%
6.2%
5.5%
2012
83.5%
69.7%
13.0%
27.8%
3.4%
2.4%
2008
84.4%
69.2%
13.7%
28.8%
2.0%
1.9%
2004
83.0%
63.3%
15.2%
35.7%
1.8%
1.0%
2000
75.7%
63.6%
16.1%
32.4%
8.1%
4.0%
1996
72.2%
59.3%
15.7%
31.0%
12.1%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
36.1%
9.6%
4.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
3.5%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.7%
1.2%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
1.0%
8.4%
9.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.5%
2.5%
3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.9%
2.4%
Weather
San Francisco is known for its microclimates. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the weather fluctuates within the city, from sunny to foggy on the same day. Average temperatures range from 50s to 70s Fahrenheit year round. Long Beach experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild and wet winters. Its coastal location allows for pleasant sea breezes during the summer.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
63%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
San Francisco
Long Beach
2018
104
124
0.35
0.37
11.3
17.2
23.4
22.1
0.012
0.008
27.5
N/A
11.9
13.5
0.4
0.7
2017
96
122
0.40
0.36
11.4
18.1
22.5
23.2
0.008
0.007
26.7
N/A
9.9
14.5
0.6
0.8
2016
68
115
0.39
0.36
10.6
18.5
22.4
21.9
0.005
0.007
24.1
N/A
7.9
11.6
0.8
0.9
2015
85
111
0.41
0.38
12.1
19.9
22.5
22.5
0.004
0.005
25.0
N/A
7.9
13.9
0.8
0.9
2014
85
127
0.38
0.50
12.1
20.3
21.8
22.0
0.005
0.007
26.7
N/A
7.7
14.3
0.6
1.3
2013
88
126
0.40
0.48
13.9
20.0
20.4
24.7
0.004
0.005
32.3
N/A
10.2
14.6
0.5
1.0
2012
75
132
0.40
0.48
12.8
19.3
22.7
24.4
0.003
0.004
30.8
N/A
8.2
14.1
1.1
0.6
2011
86
119
0.24
0.43
14.1
20.2
21.3
23.4
0.003
0.006
28.4
N/A
9.5
15.6
1.7
1.2
2010
84
115
0.21
0.38
13.4
20.8
22.0
22.7
0.004
0.011
24.1
N/A
10.6
11.9
1.0
0.7
2009
95
132
0.30
0.50
15.1
21.0
20.4
22.0
0.005
0.008
27.7
N/A
12.8
13.1
1.1
1.1
2008
94
124
0.43
0.53
15.6
20.8
21.7
23.2
0.007
0.008
27.2
N/A
11.7
21.6
0.9
1.0
2007
84
109
0.45
0.60
15.6
20.3
20.5
21.1
0.007
0.010
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.2
1.4
2006
86
119
0.52
0.76
16.1
21.4
21.5
19.9
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
1.7
2005
89
108
0.39
0.74
14.8
24.3
20.5
20.5
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
2.7
2004
93
125
0.44
0.56
16.1
28.0
20.9
22.9
0.004
0.012
N/A
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
2.0
2003
65
130
0.64
0.83
18.4
28.1
19.7
22.4
N/A
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.1
2002
62
120
0.69
0.90
18.6
29.6
19.6
22.2
0.008
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.8
2001
64
124
0.72
0.81
19.2
30.3
19.0
21.5
0.008
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.3
2000
60
142
0.71
0.71
20.3
31.5
17.1
19.6
0.017
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
57%
Transportation
San Francisco's public transportation network, managed by SF MUNI, is extensive and reliable. It is also a popular city for biking. Long Beach offers various public transit options including Long Beach Transit buses and LA Metro Rail, and it also promotes biking through its bike-friendly streets and pathways.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
453
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Bicycle
2.7%
0.5%
Bus
11.4%
3.3%
Carpooled
9.1%
9.8%
Car alone
53.9%
81.8%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.2%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0.1%
Subway
1.6%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.4%
0%
Walked
8.3%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Average
38 min
30.7 min
Other means
28.3 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Francisco's real estate market is one of the costliest in the country. A blend of Victorian houses and modern high-rises define its cityscape. In Long Beach, while the real estate is lesser pricey than San Francisco, it is still substantial due to its beachside location and the presence of diverse housing options from condos to single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco's distinct neighborhoods offer diverse living experiences. Nob Hill is known for its affluence, while the Mission District houses the vibrant Latino community. In Long Beach, neighborhoods like Belmont Shore offer a beach town feel and the East Village is known for its arts scene.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Houses
412,269
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.8
Median year apartment built
1953
1964
Median year house/condo built
1942
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$805,766
Median house age
76
62
Renting percentage
64.2%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
3,565.7
House value disparities
18.7%
21.3%
Household income disparities
41.7%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Long Beach
One, detached
19.1%
40.2%
One, attached
12.1%
4.9%
Two
9.0%
5.3%
3 or 4
11.4%
8.8%
5 to 9
9.0%
10.4%
10 to 19
9.3%
10.8%
20 to 49
11.3%
8.0%
50 or more
18.7%
10.6%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
18,532
State government workers
22,691
6,550
Unpaid family workers
399
178
Industries and Occupations
In San Francisco, the tech industry dominates, followed by finance and tourism. The most frequent occupations are in the management, business, and finance areas. Long Beach counts port activities, aerospace, health care, and education among its primary industries. As for occupations, office and administrative support, sales, and management roles are most common.
San Francisco has a well-regarded healthcare system, notable hospitals include UCSF Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. Long Beach also offers reputable healthcare, with Long Beach Memorial Medical Center leading the forefront.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Victorian architecture, has robust infrastructure, including sophisticated public transportation systems. However, it struggles with homeless issues. Long Beach features a range of infrastructure, from the Port to the Convention Center, and is known for its well-maintained parks and recreation areas.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Long Beach
Hospitals
16
17
TV stations
18
5
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
281
67
Bank institutions located here
52
18
Main business address for public companies
68
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Long Beach
1999
1,402
1,159
2000
1,000
710
2001
733
677
2002
870
708
2003
1,576
1,861
2004
2,147
2,162
2005
2,344
3,065
2006
2,511
3,591
2007
2,117
2,287
2008
1,575
887
2009
952
475
Culture and Food
San Francisco, defined by its cultural diversity, offers a world-class culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks. Long Beach has a vibrant arts scene and a diverse food culture that includes everything from locally caught seafood to international cuisines.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to the MLB's Giants and the NFL's 49ers. Long Beach doesn't have its sports teams but is close to Los Angeles, home to teams like the Lakers (NBA) and Dodgers (MLB).
San Francisco, CA
Long Beach, CA
San Francisco, CA and 
Long Beach, CA : 363.5 miles
