San Francisco, CA and Spokane, WA, although both located on the West Coast, offer contrasting experiences in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and environmental appeal. San Francisco is known for its booming tech industry, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque cityscape, while Spokane offers a slower pace of life, affordability, and natural beauty. Here's an in-depth comparison of the two cities.
Distance between
San Francisco, CA and
Spokane, WA : 730.5 miles
San Francisco's population is larger by 256%. Its population has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) since 2000. The population of Spokane has grown by 33,442 people (17.1%) during that time.
Though every city has its safe and less safe areas, San Francisco generally has a higher crime rate compared to Spokane. The city faces challenges such as homelessness and petty crime, especially in certain areas. On the other hand, Spokane has a relatively lower crime rate, engendering a more relaxed and safer community feel overall. However, like any city, it is always recommended to stay vigilant, especially in unfamiliar places.
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 326 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Francisco is 1,051 to 1; the ratio in Spokane is 662 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Francisco than in Spokane.
Cost of Living
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., reflected in everything from housing to grocery costs. By comparison, Spokane has a significantly lower cost of living. Housing costs are drastically cheaper in Spokane and you can get more bang for your buck in terms of property size and yard space.
Income Tax
California, where San Francisco is located, has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% depending on income level, whereas Washington State, home of Spokane, does not impose a state income tax, providing significant savings for Spokane residents.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate for homeowners in San Francisco is around 0.6%, whereas in Spokane, it's roughly 1.1%. Despite this, homeowners in San Francisco generally pay more in dollars due to the significantly higher median property price.
Sales Tax
San Francisco has a significantly higher sales tax rate than Spokane, at 8.5% compared to Spokane's 8.9%. This higher rate is applicable to a wider range of goods and services including meals, drinks, and other retail purchases.
Income
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Estimated median household income
$121,826
$58,714
Estimated per capita income
$80,383
$33,112
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
141.1
94.2
If you make $50,000 in Spokane, you will have to make $74,894 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco is characterized by its hilly terrain, Bay Area, and iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering a range of outdoor activities. Spokane is surrounded by natural beauty with multiple lakes, rivers, and outdoor trails close to the city - a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both cities have good quality education options. San Francisco is home to several renowned universities such as the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University. Spokane is also a hub of education, with notable institutions like Gonzaga University and Washington State University's medical school.
San Francisco’s economy is rooted in technology, finance, and tourism, with many large companies located in the city and surrounding Silicon Valley. Conversely, Spokane's economy is diversified across healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors. Unemployment levels are generally higher in Spokane compared to San Francisco.
Biggest Employers
In San Francisco, some of the biggest employers include Salesforce, Wells Fargo, Uber, and City & County of San Francisco. On the other hand, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children's Hospital, Spokane Public Schools, and Multicare Deaconess Hospital are among the largest employers in Spokane.
There were 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011) compared to 346 building permits issued in Spokane in 2012 (170 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 Spokane (Spokane County), 45.4% voted for Democrats and 51.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
Spokane
2020
85.3%
46.0%
12.7%
50.4%
2.0%
3.6%
2016
84.6%
39.8%
9.2%
48.2%
6.2%
12.0%
2012
83.5%
45.4%
13.0%
51.2%
3.4%
3.4%
2008
84.4%
48.0%
13.7%
49.1%
2.0%
2.9%
2004
83.0%
43.3%
15.2%
55.2%
1.8%
1.6%
2000
75.7%
43.5%
16.1%
52.1%
8.1%
4.5%
1996
72.2%
45.0%
15.7%
41.8%
12.1%
13.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
Spokane
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
13.1%
9.6%
6.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
3.5%
1.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.1%
1.2%
0.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.7%
1.0%
8.4%
4.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.1%
2.5%
1.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.9%
1.7%
4.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.5%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.9%
1.9%
3.6%
Weather
San Francisco experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with damp, cool winters and dry summers, while temperatures can widely fluctuate throughout the day. Fog is quite common, especially during the summer. In contrast, Spokane has distinct four seasons. Winters can be quite cold with a considerable amount of snow, and summers can be hot. For those that enjoy a true expression of each season, Spokane may be a better choice.
Weather and climate
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Temperature - Average
58.3°F
47.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
84.3%
68.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29%
61%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
91%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
62%
26%
Precipitation - Yearly average
22.2 in
16.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
85 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.8%
14.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
73%
56.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
56%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77%
78%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
55%
22%
Wind speed - Average
11.4 mph
9.4 mph
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Average climate in Spokane, Washington
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
Spokane
San Francisco
2018
104
92
0.35
N/A
11.3
N/A
23.4
N/A
0.012
N/A
24.8
N/A
11.9
9.9
0.4
N/A
2017
96
91
0.40
N/A
11.4
N/A
22.5
N/A
0.008
N/A
22.7
N/A
9.9
10.7
0.6
N/A
2016
68
61
0.39
N/A
10.6
N/A
22.4
N/A
0.005
N/A
18.4
N/A
7.9
6.6
0.8
N/A
2015
85
81
0.41
N/A
12.1
N/A
22.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
23.4
N/A
7.9
9.4
0.8
N/A
2014
85
67
0.38
N/A
12.1
N/A
21.8
N/A
0.005
N/A
19.7
N/A
7.7
7.9
0.6
N/A
2013
88
82
0.40
N/A
13.9
N/A
20.4
N/A
0.004
N/A
21.7
N/A
10.2
8.9
0.5
N/A
2012
75
73
0.40
N/A
12.8
N/A
22.7
N/A
0.003
N/A
23.5
N/A
8.2
8.0
1.1
N/A
2011
86
65
0.24
N/A
14.1
N/A
21.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
7.9
1.7
N/A
2010
84
67
0.21
N/A
13.4
N/A
22.0
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
7.4
1.0
N/A
2009
95
65
0.30
N/A
15.1
N/A
20.4
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.8
7.8
1.1
N/A
2008
94
74
0.43
N/A
15.6
N/A
21.7
N/A
0.007
N/A
27.2
N/A
11.7
9.0
0.9
N/A
2007
84
80
0.45
N/A
15.6
N/A
20.5
N/A
0.007
N/A
24.3
N/A
8.9
9.0
1.2
N/A
2006
86
92
0.52
N/A
16.1
N/A
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
8.7
9.8
1.6
N/A
2005
89
86
0.39
N/A
14.8
N/A
20.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.6
N/A
8.8
9.9
1.3
N/A
2004
93
94
0.44
N/A
16.1
N/A
20.9
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
10.5
2.5
N/A
2003
65
86
0.64
N/A
18.4
N/A
19.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
1.7
N/A
2002
62
79
0.69
1.13
18.6
N/A
19.6
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
1.4
N/A
2001
64
85
0.72
1.01
19.2
N/A
19.0
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
1.4
N/A
2000
60
82
0.71
0.98
20.3
N/A
17.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
11.5
2.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
7.7%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,468.1%
1,073.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
6%
17%
Transportation
San Francisco has an extensive public transit network, featuring buses, trams, and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Bike lanes and walkability are also common in many neighborhoods. In Spokane, the public transit system is less extensive. Many residents rely on cars for commuting, although efforts are being made to improve public transit and cycling routes.
Transport
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Amtrak stations
4
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
453
387
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
9
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Bicycle
2.7%
1.2%
Bus
11.4%
2.4%
Carpooled
9.1%
8.1%
Car alone
53.9%
83.2%
Ferryboat
0.4%
0%
Motorcycle
0.9%
0.1%
Railroad
0.7%
0%
Streetcar
7.9%
0%
Subway
1.6%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.1%
Walked
8.3%
4.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Average
38 min
24.8 min
Other means
28.3 min
19.9 min
Public transportation
39.7 min
35.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
85.5%
90%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
3.2%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in San Francisco are notoriously high, featuring some of the most expensive properties in the world. Spokane's real estate market is much more accessible, with a median home price notably lower than the U.S. average.
Neighborhoods
San Francisco's neighborhoods are diverse, from the vibrant Mission District to the upscale Marina District. Each offers a different feel and cultural experience. Spokane's neighborhoods, like the Perry District and Kendall Yards, offer a quieter and more suburban lifestyle, with close-knit communities.
Houses and residents
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Houses
412,269
99,251
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1953
1973
Median year house/condo built
1942
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16.3 years
11.4 years
Houses occupied
350,796 (85.1%)
94,748 (95.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
140,809 (40.1%)
54,499 (57.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
209,987 (59.9%)
40,249 (42.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,809
$620.37
Median monthly housing costs
$2,337
$1,061
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,670,841
$126,710
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$318,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.9
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.8
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$357,948
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$291,236
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$257,823
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$276,532
Median house price - mobile homes
$517,939
$60,750
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$370,566
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$348,191
Median house age
76
59
Renting percentage
64.2%
42.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
8,829.1
1,718.4
House value disparities
18.7%
28%
Household income disparities
41.7%
44.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$210,544
$86,101
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$99,969
$61,883
Housing units without a mortgage
1,778 (1.9%)
766 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,687 (8.3%)
2,784 (7.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
91,236 (98.1%)
36,544 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
471 (0.5%)
22 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,395 (10.1%)
3,852 (10.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.7%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.7%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Francisco
Spokane
One, detached
19.1%
63.1%
One, attached
12.1%
4.0%
Two
9.0%
2.6%
3 or 4
11.4%
3.9%
5 to 9
9.0%
4.7%
10 to 19
9.3%
6.5%
20 to 49
11.3%
6.7%
50 or more
18.7%
6.8%
Mobile homes
0.1%
1.7%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
30,288
4,150
State government workers
22,691
5,528
Unpaid family workers
399
21
Industries and Occupations
San Francisco is recognized for its technology and finance sectors. Many residents work in professional, scientific, and technical services. In contrast, Spokane has a diversified economy with healthcare being the largest employer. Many residents find work in educational services, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Both cities have solid healthcare systems. San Francisco hosts some world-class medical facilities like UCSF Medical Center. Spokane is home to notable healthcare facilities as well, such as the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Francisco boasts modern infrastructure including expansive public transit, high-speed internet, and state-of-the-art buildings. Spokane, while slower-paced, still has solid infrastructure, especially for a city of its size. It features good road networks and public libraries, but with fewer amenities compared to larger cities.
Infrastructure
Type
San Francisco
Spokane
Hospitals
16
10
TV stations
18
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
281
93
Bank institutions located here
52
16
Main business address for public companies
68
10
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
Spokane
1999
1,402
840
2000
1,000
568
2001
733
329
2002
870
261
2003
1,576
458
2004
2,147
626
2005
2,344
889
2006
2,511
1,024
2007
2,117
688
2008
1,575
267
2009
952
142
Culture and Food
San Francisco is known for its vibrant food scene, live music, and cultural diversity, with events like the annual Pride parade and Outside Lands music festival. In contrast, Spokane offers a quieter cultural scene, with a flair for outdoor festivals, local breweries, and the arts.
Sports Teams
San Francisco is home to popular sports teams like the Giants (MLB) and the 49ers (NFL). Spokane, while not hosting any major league sports teams, is home to minor league teams such as the Spokane Indians (MiLB) and Spokane Chiefs (WHL), and has a rich history of collegiate sports success through Gonzaga University.
San Francisco, CA
Spokane, WA
San Francisco, CA and 
Spokane, WA : 730.5 miles
