Let the numbers do the talking.
San Francisco, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA
San Francisco, CA vs Santa Rosa, CA: What the data shows
San Francisco, CA is in San Francisco, CA while Santa Rosa, CA is in Santa Rosa, CA — both in the same state. On home prices, Santa Rosa, CA is the more affordable option at $605,500 median — $459,600 less than San Francisco, CA's $1,065,100. WYLT rates San Francisco, CA as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots — and Santa Rosa, CA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. San Francisco, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Santa Rosa, CA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, San Francisco, CA has Low flood risk and Santa Rosa, CA has Low flood risk.
San Francisco, CA is the more walkable neighborhood. San Francisco, CA scores 90/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Santa Rosa, CA's 13/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, both neighborhoods have the same school rating — San Francisco, CA rates 5/10 and Santa Rosa, CA rates 5/10.
| Category | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Settle here | Good for now |
| Median Price | $1.07M | $606K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $2K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $111K ✓ Higher income | $88K |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 90/100 ✓ More walkable | 13/100 |
| Transit Score | 73/100 ✓ Better transit | 22/100 |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 62/100 |
| Commute | 2 min ✓ Shorter commute | 78 min |
| 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 | Tech professionals who need proximity to downtownRemote workers who value walkability and public transitYoung singles and couples looking for a vibrant city lifestyle | Families with childrenStudents in highly rated schoolsRemote workers who need a car |
Bottom line
If you're a tech professional or remote worker looking for a vibrant city lifestyle with unbeatable transit, settle in San Francisco's 94103 ZIP code. But if you're a family or remote worker without the need for high walkability, Santa Rosa offers a more affordable option with better public schools and a suburban vibe.
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