Let the numbers do the talking.
Davis, CA vs San Francisco, CA
Davis, CA vs San Francisco, CA: What the data shows
Davis, CA is in Davis, CA while San Francisco, CA is in San Francisco, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Davis, CA is the more affordable option at $834,200 median — $824,000 less than San Francisco, CA's $1,658,200. WYLT rates Davis, CA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and San Francisco, CA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Davis, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. San Francisco, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Davis, CA has Low flood risk and San Francisco, CA has Low flood risk.
San Francisco, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. Davis, CA scores 23/100 (car-dependent) versus San Francisco, CA's 93/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — Davis, CA rates 5/10 and San Francisco, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | Davis, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $834K ✓ Lower price | $1.66M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $69K | $185K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 23/100 | 93/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 32/100 | 77/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 70/100 ✓ More bikeable | 36/100 |
| Commute | 23 min | 6 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Best for | College StudentsFamilies with childrenRemote workers | Tech professionals looking for proximity to downtownPeople who walk or bike to workFood lovers who enjoy a mix of local eateries |
Bottom line
For people prioritizing affordability and a family-friendly atmosphere, Davis is the better choice. Davis offers a more stable housing market, quality schools, and a community focused on education, making it a more suitable long-term living option for families and individuals with children. However, San Francisco may still be the better fit for those valuing proximity to downtown, walkability, and access to local amenities, at the cost of extremely high housing prices.
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