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How Daly City Compares to San Francisco: A Buyer’s Perspective

May 29, 20252 min read

How Daly City Compares to San Francisco: A Buyer’s Perspective

danielkcheng.com

Exploring Alternatives to San Francisco Living

San Francisco’s charm is undeniable—from the Golden Gate Bridge to its rich culture and tech-driven economy. But for many homebuyers, skyrocketing prices and a competitive housing market have them seeking alternatives. Daly City, just minutes away, is emerging as a compelling option that balances value, space, and convenience.

🌐 danielkcheng.com


💰 Affordability: Daly City Offers More for Less

Daly City provides an attractive price point without straying far from the city life.

  • Median Home Price: ~$1.2 million in Daly City vs. ~$1.3 million in San Francisco

  • Overall Cost of Living: Daly City is approximately 13.6% more affordable

  • Value for Buyers: More square footage, modern amenities, and financial flexibility

Whether you're upgrading your living space or entering the market for the first time, Daly City lets you stretch your budget further.


🏡 Space & Lifestyle: Suburban Comfort with City Access

Known as the “Gateway to the Peninsula,” Daly City offers a more relaxed suburban feel than its urban neighbor:

  • Spacious Homes: More square footage, outdoor space, and larger lots

  • Community Vibe: A welcoming population of ~104,901, with strong cultural diversity

  • Outdoor Living: Proximity to Pacific Ocean views, hiking trails, and parks

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of downtown while enjoying nearby access to nature and community activities, Daly City fits the bill.


🚆 Commute & Connectivity: Urban Access Without the Chaos

Live in Daly City and stay connected to the heart of the Bay Area:

  • Public Transit: BART stations like Daly City and Colma provide fast access to San Francisco

  • Driving: Direct routes via I-280 and Highway 1

  • Quick Commutes: Many reach downtown SF in under 30 minutes

You’ll never feel far from the city—perfect for professionals, creatives, and families alike.


📈 Real Estate Market Dynamics: Growth vs. Stability

Comparing housing market trends gives buyers important insight:

  • Daly City:

    • Highly competitive

    • Homes sell fast with multiple offers

    • 18.9% year-over-year price increase

  • San Francisco:

    • Still competitive but cooling

    • 7.7% price decrease from last year

Daly City is showing strong growth, indicating both buyer demand and investment potential.


📝 Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Daly City is the smart choice for those who value:

✅ More space
✅ Lower overall costs
✅ A suburban lifestyle with urban accessibility
✅ A growing, investment-friendly housing market

While San Francisco remains iconic, Daly City gives you room to grow—financially and physically—while keeping you close to the action.


Let’s Connect!

Thinking about making Daly City your next home?
I’m Daniel K. Cheng, your local real estate expert. Let’s explore the market together and find the right property for you.

📞 (650) 689-3822
📧 [email protected]
🌐 danielkcheng.com

Top 1% Producing Realtor since 2003. Listing Agent, buyer's agent, and relocation specialist. As a leading realtor in the Bay Area, with more than 21 years experience, Daniel Cheng has the experience and knowledge it takes to help his clients achieve their real estate goals.

Daniel K. Cheng

Top 1% Producing Realtor since 2003. Listing Agent, buyer's agent, and relocation specialist. As a leading realtor in the Bay Area, with more than 21 years experience, Daniel Cheng has the experience and knowledge it takes to help his clients achieve their real estate goals.

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