San Francisco, California, and Mesa, Arizona offer different lifestyles, opportunities, and attractions. San Francisco, a cosmopolitan city on California's west coast, is known for its high cost of living, tech industry, and diverse culture. Mesa, on the other hand, a suburb in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, is renowned for its warm climate, affordable living, and quality education system. This comparison takes into account crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, the biggest employers, real-estate, neighborhoods, transportation/public transit/commuting, city/state sales tax, city/state income tax, city/state property tax, culture/food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and health care.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Mesa, AZ : 671.1 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 60%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Mesa has grown by 113,100 people (28.5%) during that time.
While neither city is free of crime, San Francisco holds a higher crime rate compared to national averages, likely due to its densely populated urban environment. On the other hand, Mesa's crime rates are closer to national averages. Visitors and potential residents should make safety a priority in both cities, but San Francisco's crime rates are generally higher.
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 635 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Mesa is 763 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Francisco than in Mesa.
Cost of Living
San Francisco is notorious for its high cost of living with housing prices that rank among the highest in the nation. Mesa, however, is significantly more affordable in every respect, from housing to groceries, offering a cost of living far more comparable to the national average.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax system, and thus, San Francisco residents could face high income tax rates depending on their earnings. Arizona, and consequently Mesa, has a relatively lower flat-rate income tax.
Property Tax
Despite high property prices, San Francisco's property taxes are moderate compared to national averages. Mesa's property taxes are somewhat comparable to the national average, but on a much lower property valuation.
Sales Tax
San Francisco has a higher city and state sales tax rate than Mesa, reflecting California's generally high cost of living. Arizona has a more average sales tax rate.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$69,266
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$35,439
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
101
If you make $50,000 in Mesa, you will have to make $69,851 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco, located on a peninsula, is characterized by rolling hills and coastal views. Mesa, in contrast, offers a desert landscape surrounded by flat terrain and mountain views.
Both cities place considerable emphasis on education. San Francisco boasts high-ranking public schools and prestigious universities such as the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Mesa, while not having as many higher-education institutions, does have numerous public schools and community colleges, many of which rank above average.
San Francisco is renowned for its robust economy, supported largely by the tech industry with companies like Salesforce and Uber headquartered there. Mesa's economy is more diverse, based on healthcare, education, and retail trade. Job growth is positive in both cities, but wages tend to be higher in San Francisco to compensate for the high cost of living.
Biggest Employers
Some of the biggest employers in San Francisco are the headquarters of tech companies like Salesforce, Wells Fargo, and Uber. In Mesa, major employers include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and the city government.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 2,046 building permits issued in Mesa in 2012 (1543 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 Mesa (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
2020
85.3%
50.2%
12.7%
48.0%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
84.6%
44.9%
9.2%
47.7%
6.2%
7.5%
2012
83.5%
43.6%
13.0%
54.3%
3.4%
2.1%
2008
84.4%
44.0%
13.7%
54.5%
2.0%
1.5%
2004
83.0%
42.4%
15.2%
57.0%
1.8%
0.6%
2000
75.7%
43.0%
16.1%
53.4%
8.1%
3.6%
1996
72.2%
44.5%
15.7%
47.2%
12.1%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
13.6%
9.6%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
3.5%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.2%
1.2%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
1.9%
8.4%
6.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.2%
2.5%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.8%
1.7%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.5%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.9%
2.0%
Weather
Weather-wise, San Francisco and Mesa are polar opposites. San Francisco experiences cooler summers and mild winters, characterized by fog and dampness, while Mesa has a desert climate with blisteringly hot summers and mild winters. For those who prefer abundant sunshine and dry heat, Mesa would be more appealing.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
71.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
9.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
35.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
79%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Mesa, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
San Francisco
Mesa
2018
104
200
0.35
0.28
11.3
15.1
23.4
34.8
0.012
N/A
28.1
N/A
11.9
7.5
0.4
0.6
2017
96
128
0.40
0.28
11.4
15.8
22.5
35.1
0.008
N/A
24.5
N/A
9.9
8.2
0.6
1.4
2016
68
121
0.39
0.31
10.6
15.7
22.4
34.6
0.005
N/A
21.5
N/A
7.9
6.8
0.8
0.4
2015
85
104
0.41
0.34
12.1
17.6
22.5
33.4
0.004
N/A
17.7
N/A
7.9
6.8
0.8
0.9
2014
85
135
0.38
0.33
12.1
19.6
21.8
34.0
0.005
N/A
30.8
N/A
7.7
8.4
0.6
1.1
2013
88
141
0.40
0.31
13.9
19.9
20.4
34.8
0.004
N/A
29.3
N/A
10.2
5.8
0.5
0.9
2012
75
159
0.40
0.38
12.8
21.2
22.7
33.7
0.003
N/A
37.9
N/A
8.2
8.1
1.1
1.3
2011
86
205
0.24
0.31
14.1
18.5
21.3
34.1
0.003
N/A
40.4
N/A
9.5
9.5
1.7
0.9
2010
84
100
0.21
0.31
13.4
16.4
22.0
32.9
0.004
N/A
29.5
N/A
10.6
8.3
1.0
1.2
2009
95
109
0.30
0.33
15.1
16.6
20.4
32.3
0.005
N/A
37.8
N/A
12.8
N/A
1.1
1.0
2008
94
106
0.43
0.29
15.6
17.5
21.7
34.2
0.007
N/A
39.9
N/A
11.7
N/A
0.9
1.1
2007
84
134
0.45
0.43
15.6
19.3
20.5
31.0
0.007
N/A
50.6
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.2
1.9
2006
86
138
0.52
0.44
16.1
22.1
21.5
30.9
N/A
N/A
57.5
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
1.8
2005
89
109
0.39
0.49
14.8
22.6
20.5
30.0
N/A
N/A
49.1
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
1.7
2004
93
97
0.44
0.51
16.1
22.4
20.9
30.4
0.004
N/A
33.4
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
1.4
2003
65
99
0.64
0.56
18.4
24.0
19.7
31.7
N/A
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.4
2002
62
110
0.69
0.69
18.6
24.9
19.6
28.0
0.008
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.6
2001
64
105
0.72
0.65
19.2
23.8
19.0
27.2
0.008
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.5
2000
60
117
0.71
0.76
20.3
29.8
17.1
27.1
0.017
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
2,348.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
16%
Transportation
San Francisco has a dense public transport network, including buses, trams, and the BART system. Mesa's public transit includes buses and a light rail system, but residents usually depend on cars for commuting.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Amtrak stations
4
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
453
828
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Bicycle
2.7%
0.6%
Bus
11.4%
0.3%
Carpooled
9.1%
14.4%
Car alone
53.9%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.5%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Average
38 min
25 min
Other means
28.3 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
45.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
85.5%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
11.1%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
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 one of the most expensive in the country, whereas Mesa's housing market is significantly more affordable, appealing to families and retirees.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco is famous for its eclectic neighborhoods, each with a unique culture and community feel. Mesa, on the other hand, has more residential and family-friendly neighborhoods with wide, open spaces.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Houses
412,269
221,995
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.6
Median year apartment built
1953
1987
Median year house/condo built
1942
1989
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
199,112 (89.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
126,146 (63.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
72,966 (36.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$1,890
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$262,297
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$350,100
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$421,563
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$124,748
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$226,327
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$250,077
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$70,636
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$256,984
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$364,728
Median house age
76
33
Renting percentage
64.2%
36.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,776.1
House value disparities
18.7%
31.1%
Household income disparities
41.7%
42.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$97,987
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$63,218
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
1,338 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
5,628 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
80,572 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
7,236 (8.8%)
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%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Mesa
One, detached
19.1%
55.9%
One, attached
12.1%
6.6%
Two
9.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
11.4%
5.1%
5 to 9
9.0%
6.0%
10 to 19
9.3%
5.0%
20 to 49
11.3%
2.8%
50 or more
18.7%
5.3%
Mobile homes
0.1%
11.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
10,562
State government workers
22,691
6,039
Unpaid family workers
399
830
Industries and Occupations
San Francisco is a tech hub, attracting thousands of professionals in software development, management, and related fields. Mesa's job market is driven by the healthcare, education, and retail sectors.
Both cities have excellent health care facilities. San Francisco is home to renowned medical centers like UCSF Medical Center, while Mesa has the Banner Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco has advanced infrastructure to support its dense population, including a robust public transportation system and various amenities. Mesa, while still developing, already has reliable infrastructure, particularly in education and health services.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Mesa
Hospitals
16
13
TV stations
18
18
Bank branches located here
281
97
Bank institutions located here
52
22
Main business address for public companies
68
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Mesa
1999
1,402
2,532
2000
1,000
2,428
2001
733
1,854
2002
870
1,520
2003
1,576
1,991
2004
2,147
2,897
2005
2,344
3,857
2006
2,511
3,727
2007
2,117
1,896
2008
1,575
765
2009
952
440
Culture and Food
San Francisco is renowned for its diverse culture and food scene featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks. Mesa also offers a broad range of culinary experiences, but with a stronger emphasis on Southwestern and Mexican cuisine.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to several major sports teams including the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and the Giants (MLB). Mesa, while not housing many major league teams, does host spring training for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics.
San Francisco, CA
Mesa, AZ
San Francisco, CA and 
Mesa, AZ : 671.1 miles
