New York City vs San Francisco
New York City comes out ahead overall, winning 3 of 7 criteria.
Summary
New York City edges out San Francisco overall (6.3 vs 6.3), but the margin is thin enough that a single strong priority — like environment & air quality — could reasonably flip your personal decision the other way.
Quick answers
Safety: New York City (6/10 vs 5/10).
Climate: San Francisco (7/10 vs 5/10).
Overall, New York City scores higher (6.3/10 vs 6.3/10) across all seven criteria combined.
Cost of living: New York City (3/10 vs 2/10).
New York City and San Francisco are a close call for families based on safety, healthcare and environment.
New York City and San Francisco are a close call for remote work based on internet and cost of living.
Where each city wins
- +Public transport: notably better than San Francisco (8.0 vs 6.0)
- +Cost of living: slightly better than San Francisco (3.0 vs 2.0)
- +Safety: slightly better than San Francisco (6.0 vs 5.0)
- +Environment & air quality: notably better than New York City (7.0 vs 5.0)
- +Climate: notably better than New York City (7.0 vs 5.0)
Which city fits your profile?
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for remote workers who need fast internet and an affordable, pleasant base, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for independent workers balancing cost of living against healthcare access, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for households with kids prioritizing safety, healthcare and clean air, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
New York City scores higher once we weight toward movers for whom affordability outweighs every other factor (5.7 vs 5.5 for New York City vs San Francisco), driven largely by cost of living.
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for people relocating somewhere unfamiliar who weigh personal safety above all, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
San Francisco scores higher once we weight toward retirees prioritizing healthcare, climate and a calm environment over nightlife or internet speed (5.9 vs 6.1 for New York City vs San Francisco), driven largely by climate.
New York City scores higher once we weight toward students who need affordability, transit and a lively social scene (6.1 vs 5.7 for New York City vs San Francisco), driven largely by cost of living.
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for expatriates relocating for work who lean on safety, healthcare and internet to stay settled and connected, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
New York City and San Francisco score within a rounding error of each other for founders and small business owners who need reliable connectivity and a livable base without big-city costs, so this comparison won't settle it either way.
New York City scores higher once we weight toward early-career movers who want nightlife and transit within budget, without yet prioritizing healthcare or climate (6.3 vs 6.0 for New York City vs San Francisco), driven largely by cost of living.
Which city should you choose?
Pick New York City if you're a budget-conscious mover, student, or young professional — Pick San Francisco instead if you're more of a retiree.