What is the population of San Francisco?

San Francisco has a city population of about 808,437 as of early 2024. The broader metropolitan area, which includes Oakland and Berkeley, has a population closer to 4.7 million. This makes San Francisco proper a mid-sized city, offering a different vibe compared to mega-cities like New York. While the city itself is compact, the Bay Area's larger population contributes to its vibrant economy and diverse cultural scene. This density means housing costs are high; the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,000. For comparison, the median rent in a mid-sized European city like Lisbon is closer to $1,500. If you're considering San Francisco, understand you're looking at a city with a smaller core population but a much larger surrounding metro. This affects everything from traffic to the availability of services. Factor in the high cost of living, especially housing, when evaluating if SF's opportunities outweigh the expenses for you.