StayAreasUnion Square or Nob Hill: where should you stay in San Francisco?
- Union Square is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $280 a night, against $320 in Nob Hill.
- Nob Hill is closer to 5 of the 12 big sights we timed; Union Square wins on 3.
- Nob Hill has quieter nights.
- Nob Hill has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Union Square.
- From San Francisco International Airport, Union Square is quicker: 54 min against 60 min.
Union SquareShopping, cable cars & BARTPick Union Square if
- First-time visitors
- Shoppers
- Business travellers
Nob HillGrand hotels, cable cars & viewsPick Nob Hill if
- Luxury stays
- Couples
- First-time visitors who want calm
Union Square vs Nob Hill, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Union Square | Nob Hill |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $170 (better) | $190 |
| Mid-range double | $280 (better) | $320 |
| Luxury double | $550 (better) | $650 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Union Square | 5 min (better) | 10 min |
| Union Square | 4 min walk (better) | 19 min walk |
| Grace Cathedral | 14 min walk | 4 min walk (better) |
| Cable Car Turntable | 6 min walk (better) | 20 min walk |
| Dragon Gate | 8 min walk (better) | 16 min walk |
| Cable Car Museum | 16 min walk | 8 min walk (better) |
| Lombard Street | 20 min | 15 min (better) |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From San Francisco International Airport | 54 min (better) | 60 min |
| What it's like · crime: DataSF (SFPD); ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Above the city average | Around the city average (better) |
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Good |
| Nightlife | Good (better) | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Food | Very good (better) | Good |
| Families | Good | Good |
| Transport | Excellent (better) | Very good |
Hotels in Union Square and Nob Hill
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Union Square or Nob Hill: questions
Is Union Square or Nob Hill better to stay in?
Union Square is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $280 a night, against $320 in Nob Hill. Nob Hill is closer to 5 of the 12 big sights we timed; Union Square wins on 3. Nob Hill has quieter nights. Nob Hill has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Union Square. From San Francisco International Airport, Union Square is quicker: 54 min against 60 min. Union Square suits first-time visitors and shoppers; Nob Hill suits luxury stays and couples.
Which is cheaper, Union Square or Nob Hill?
Typical doubles in Union Square: $170 budget, $280 mid-range, $550 luxury. In Nob Hill: $190, $320 and $650. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Is Union Square or Nob Hill safer?
Street crime in Union Square is above the city average; in Nob Hill it is around the city average. Based on DataSF (SFPD).
Which is closer to the sights, Union Square or Nob Hill?
Door to door: Union Square is 4 min walk from Union Square and 19 min walk from Nob Hill; Grace Cathedral is 14 min walk from Union Square and 4 min walk from Nob Hill; Cable Car Turntable is 6 min walk from Union Square and 20 min walk from Nob Hill; Dragon Gate is 8 min walk from Union Square and 16 min walk from Nob Hill.
How far is San Francisco International Airport from Union Square and Nob Hill?
54 min to Union Square and 60 min to Nob Hill, door to door by public transport.