London and San Francisco are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Both cities offer a wealth of attractions, from historical landmarks to world-class museums and art galleries. But which city is bigger?
Is London Bigger Than San Francisco?
In terms of area covered, London is bigger than San Francisco. London has a land area of 606.96 square miles, while San Francisco has a land area of 231.89 square miles. That makes London 2.6 times the size of San Francisco.

Yes, London is bigger than San Francisco. London covers an area of 606 square miles, while San Francisco covers an area of just 231 square miles. That makes London 2.6 times the size San Francisco.
Population: London vs San Francisco

In terms of population, London is significantly larger than San Francisco. London has a population of over 8 million people, while San Francisco has a population of just over 800,000 people.
Population Density: London vs San Francisco

However, when it comes to population density, San Francisco is actually slightly denser than London. San Francisco has a population density of 17,237 people per square mile, while London has a population density of 14,500 people per square mile.
Table comparing land area, population and density
City | Land Area (sq mi) | Population | Population Density (people per sq mi) |
---|---|---|---|
London | 606.96 | 8,799,800 | 14,500 |
San Francisco | 231.89 | 808,437 | 17,237.5 |
Tourist Attractions
Both London and San Francisco offer a wealth of tourist attractions. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in London include:
- Buckingham Palace
- The Tower of London
- The British Museum
- The National Gallery
- The Tate Modern
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- The London Eye
- The Houses of Parliament
- Piccadilly Circus
- Oxford Street
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco include:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Chinatown
- Union Square
- The Palace of Fine Arts
- Lombard Street
- Twin Peaks
- Dolores Park
- Golden Gate Park
Airports
London is served by six major airports:
- Heathrow Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Luton Airport
- London City Airport
- Southend Airport
San Francisco is served by two major airports:
Economy
London is the financial capital of Europe, while San Francisco is a major center for technology and innovation. Both cities have strong economies and offer a variety of job opportunities.
Available Jobs
London has a wide range of available jobs in a variety of industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and education. San Francisco is also a major center for technology and innovation, and has a strong job market in these industries.
Quality of Life
Both London and San Francisco offer a high quality of life. Both cities have excellent public transportation systems, safe neighborhoods, and a variety of cultural and recreational amenities.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in London is significantly higher than the cost of living in San Francisco. London is ranked as the 11th most expensive city in the world, while San Francisco is ranked as the 25th most expensive city in the world.
Conclusion
Both London and San Francisco are great cities to live in. Both cities offer a wealth of attractions, a strong economy, and a high quality of life. The best city for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a city with a rich history and culture, London is a great choice. If you are looking for a city with a vibrant tech scene and a laid-back lifestyle, San Francisco is a great choice.