Living in San Francisco, CA and Santa Clarita, CA offers distinct experiences shaped by varying factors such as cost of living, lifestyle amenities, crime levels, and geographical conditions. San Francisco is known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle and robust economy, while Santa Clarita is admired for its family-friendly and suburban environment. This comprehensive comparison presents an overview of both cities to help determine which may be better for relocation or tourist visits.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Santa Clarita, CA : 318.6 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 263%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Santa Clarita has grown by 73,505 people (48.7%) during that time.
San Francisco has relatively higher crime rates compared to national averages, involving both property and violent crimes. It's worth noting, tourists and residents should always pay attention to personal belongings. Alternatively, Santa Clarita is known for its lower crime rates, a factor that makes it attractive for families.
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 15 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Santa Clarita is 12,131 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Francisco than that in Santa Clarita.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Francisco is among the highest in the nation, influenced by factors such as housing costs, transportation, and amenities. Santa Clarita, while not cheap, generally has a lower cost of living in comparison.
Income Tax
Income tax in California is progressive and ranges from 1% to 13.3%, impacting residents of both cities equally.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in California are capped at 1% of the home's value. However, the actual value of the property will be significantly higher in San Francisco compared to Santa Clarita, leading to a higher tax bill.
Sales Tax
San Francisco has a higher city and state sales tax at 8.75% compared to Santa Clarita's rate of 7.25%.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$109,336
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$44,697
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
134.5
If you make $50,000 in Santa Clarita, you will have to make $52,454 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco is famous for its steep hills, coastal location, and iconic Golden Gate Bridge. On the other hand, Santa Clarita enjoys a mix of suburban housing blended with natural landscapes like parks and hills.
San Francisco boasts numerous high-caliber schools and universities such as the University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco State University. Santa Clarita also has a good education system with well-rated public schools and a few higher learning institutions like the California Institute of the Arts.
San Francisco is a major hub for industries like technology, finance, and tourism. Santa Clarita's economy, on the other hand, is largely driven by industries such as entertainment, retail, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
San Francisco's largest employers include Salesforce, Wells Fargo, and Uber. In Santa Clarita, the largest employers include Six Flags Magic Mountain, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, and Princess Cruises.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 364 building permits issued in Santa Clarita in 2012 (284 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 Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
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
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
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 has mild weather with cool and damp winters, and mild dry summers, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Fog is a frequent phenomenon. Santa Clarita, on the other hand, has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and moderately wet winters. It tends to be warmer compared to San Francisco.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
63.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
63.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
18.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
68.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
50.5%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
18.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
27.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
63%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
3 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Santa Clarita, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
2018
104
129
0.35
0.24
11.3
10.9
23.4
31.8
0.012
0.002
24.4
N/A
11.9
10.4
0.4
N/A
2017
96
129
0.40
0.26
11.4
10.5
22.5
33.6
0.008
0.002
25.0
N/A
9.9
10.3
0.6
N/A
2016
68
117
0.39
0.21
10.6
10.1
22.4
33.3
0.005
0.002
23.8
N/A
7.9
9.4
0.8
N/A
2015
85
123
0.41
0.19
12.1
11.8
22.5
33.8
0.004
0.001
21.8
N/A
7.9
8.7
0.8
N/A
2014
85
133
0.38
0.22
12.1
12.8
21.8
34.7
0.005
0.003
25.5
N/A
7.7
10.2
0.6
N/A
2013
88
134
0.40
0.22
13.9
14.4
20.4
35.1
0.004
0.004
24.8
N/A
10.2
9.8
0.5
0.3
2012
75
138
0.40
0.22
12.8
13.6
22.7
33.3
0.003
0.004
24.6
N/A
8.2
10.1
1.1
0.5
2011
86
135
0.24
0.23
14.1
13.6
21.3
32.0
0.003
0.006
24.3
N/A
9.5
12.5
1.7
0.5
2010
84
124
0.21
0.20
13.4
14.3
22.0
29.6
0.004
0.005
21.5
N/A
10.6
13.7
1.0
0.8
2009
95
147
0.30
0.25
15.1
15.1
20.4
31.2
0.005
0.006
N/A
N/A
12.8
14.5
1.1
0.5
2008
94
143
0.43
0.28
15.6
16.5
21.7
32.6
0.007
N/A
31.7
N/A
11.7
18.6
0.9
0.8
2007
84
114
0.45
0.33
15.6
19.7
20.5
29.8
0.007
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
1.2
1.0
2006
86
120
0.52
0.23
16.1
18.4
21.5
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
1.6
0.6
2005
89
127
0.39
0.32
14.8
19.2
20.5
29.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
1.3
1.6
2004
93
134
0.44
0.42
16.1
20.4
20.9
31.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
N/A
2.5
2.4
2003
65
142
0.64
0.48
18.4
21.2
19.7
32.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.3
2002
62
153
0.69
0.58
18.6
19.4
19.6
31.5
0.008
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.0
2001
64
130
0.72
0.72
19.2
22.4
19.0
27.3
0.008
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.7
2000
60
140
0.71
0.79
20.3
24.5
17.1
26.6
0.017
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
0.5
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
12.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
7,347.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
57%
Transportation
San Francisco boasts an extensive public transportation system featuring buses, trains, and the iconic cable cars. Santa Clarita, being more suburban, relies more on private vehicles, but does offer an efficient bus system.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
453
43
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Bicycle
2.7%
0.2%
Bus
11.4%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.1%
12.2%
Car alone
53.9%
82.9%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.2%
Railroad
0.7%
0.9%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.4%
0%
Walked
8.3%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Average
38 min
28.9 min
Other means
28.3 min
34 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
54.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
85.5%
88.4%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.6%
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 costliest in the country, with a high demand for both purchasing and renting. Santa Clarita's real estate is more affordable, making it a popular suburb for families and those seeking more space.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco features a mix of vibrant neighborhoods each with its unique charm, such as Castro, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf. Santa Clarita offers family-friendly neighborhoods like Valencia, Canyon Country, and Saugus.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
Houses
412,269
74,788
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.9
Median year apartment built
1953
1988
Median year house/condo built
1942
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
12.3 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
73,509 (98.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
53,424 (72.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
20,085 (27.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$3,305
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$2,295
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$765,753
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$656,000
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$690,437
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$412,937
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$422,554
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$360,428
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$150,665
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$468,632
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$619,198
Median house age
76
35
Renting percentage
64.2%
28.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,563.7
House value disparities
18.7%
20.2%
Household income disparities
41.7%
39.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$141,857
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$86,356
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
398 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
2,546 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
40,480 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
298 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
3,012 (7.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
One, detached
19.1%
61.5%
One, attached
12.1%
10.6%
Two
9.0%
0.6%
3 or 4
11.4%
4.4%
5 to 9
9.0%
7.0%
10 to 19
9.3%
4.4%
20 to 49
11.3%
2.7%
50 or more
18.7%
6.1%
Mobile homes
0.1%
2.5%
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
8,028
State government workers
22,691
3,883
Unpaid family workers
399
332
Industries and Occupations
In San Francisco, the dominant industries are tech, finance, and tourism, while Santa Clarita has a strong presence in entertainment, retail and healthcare sectors.
San Francisco is home to some highly rated medical facilities like UCSF Medical Center. Santa Clarita offers quality healthcare services through various regional medical centers such as the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco's infrastructure supports its densely populated community with an array of historic and contemporary buildings, roads, bridges, and public transport stations. Santa Clarita has well-planned, expansive suburban housing with contemporary infrastructure that caters to its residents' needs.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
TV stations
18
10
Bank branches located here
281
16
Bank institutions located here
52
9
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Francisco
Santa Clarita
1999
1,402
529
2000
1,000
141
2001
733
89
2002
870
98
2003
1,576
847
2004
2,147
1,148
2005
2,344
1,513
2006
2,511
1,281
2007
2,117
1,053
2008
1,575
461
2009
952
209
Culture and Food
San Francisco offers a rich blend of cultures and a renowned food scene, including its famous sourdough bread and clam chowder. Santa Clarita offers a suburban culture with a growing food scene.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to major sports teams such as the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and the San Francisco Giants (MLB). Santa Clarita doesn't have any major sports teams but Los Angeles’ teams are only a short drive away.
San Francisco, CA
Santa Clarita, CA
San Francisco, CA and 
Santa Clarita, CA : 318.6 miles
