SF vs NY in today's environment?
Kind of a timeless question, but asking in today's environment, does anyone have thoughts on SF vs NY in 2026?
I'm from East Coast; currently at the VP level and working in SF for a few years but worked in NY before that and honestly a little torn. Basically, I love the lifestyle in SF (nature, lots of open space, more chill vibe overall and really big health/wellness scene), but I like the more traditional work culture of finance and don't really want to actually work in tech. The tech IB world also feels kind of small and culturally very "West Coast" and I'm not sure I fit in as well.
On the other hand, tech is so huge now it makes you wonder if in the next 10 years, being in NY you might actually miss out on the next big thing in some way.
NYC is great professionally but I honestly feel Manhattan is so cramped and claustrophobia-inducing, and the subway system is literally like 100 years old...but I like the people way more.
Curious if anyone else who's also a bit older (VP level-ish) ever had thoughts on this.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of SF vs. NY in today's environment, especially for someone at the VP level:
San Francisco (SF)
New York City (NYC)
Key Considerations for You
Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize lifestyle or professional alignment. If you're torn, consider spending more time networking in both cities to gauge where you feel most aligned personally and professionally.
Sources: What cities will be the top places to live in the next 5-10 years?, Why would anyone willingly choose to live in NYC / SF / CHI?, Why would anyone willingly choose to live in NYC / SF / CHI?, NEW YORK is OVERRATED, Help Convince me to go to San Francisco
Having lived in both places, a few reflections:
-SF is dominated by tech (duh). That sounds obvious, but I cannot stress enough how 99% of the people you’ll encounter will be in a FAANG role, bootstrapping their startup, one or two degrees removed from an AI cult etc. NYC at the very least has a bit more variety in the kinds of people you’ll meet and IMO that’s a very underrated aspect of living here.
-I’m sure by many metrics the CoL is about even for Manhattan versus SF proper but in NYC more broadly there are far greater pockets of affordability for family life if that’s important to you (yes, even with finance TC we need reasonable rent and if you’re thinking about buying, SF should be off the list unless you work at Anthropic or OpenAI).
-weather in SF/Norcal is better hands down no question.
-depending on your hobbies, NYC will have more variety and general goings on in the following areas: live music, visual arts, fashion & graphic design. SF way better for outdoorsy stuff, yoga/meditation etc.
-restaurant culture and nightlife I’d also give the edge to NYC but again comes down to breadth/variety. What SF does well it it does really well.
-not getting into political stuff, but while both places have really dealt with crime and public safety issues, SF had far worse public blight from petty crime and fentanyl/homelessness when I lived there. Not sure what it’s like now but nyc I think has actually cleaned up better, although random attacks on public transit are still a thing.
-both places are truly unique and dynamic, I loved living in SF but chose to start a family in NYC ultimately (not just bc it’s closer to relatives). A reasonable upper class/upper middle class life is still very in reach in NY even if you’re not an outlier in terms of comp and career success. If you’re thinking of getting into the startup world or interested in tech, of course, you can’t beat the valley.
This is a response to OP but also OGI for those curious.
I’d also add that in the last 10 years NYC has really made the effort to bring tech jobs to the city. That was more of a priority under Bloomberg than subsequent admins, but there’s definitely more of a tech presence in flatiron/Hudson Yards than there used to be.
great
Maxime enim hic odio et nostrum et temporibus. Sed animi doloremque impedit minus officia eum doloremque. Aliquam beatae inventore quia in. Optio nisi fuga facilis dignissimos. Consectetur non labore qui quos inventore nihil. Et dignissimos quod est ut nihil. Magnam ex voluptatum in modi voluptatum.
Quia commodi debitis fugiat aut molestiae officia. Officia repellendus quaerat sunt rem. Sequi velit dolorum eligendi praesentium id consectetur. Perferendis voluptatem doloribus eos aperiam unde suscipit et.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...