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Portugal
USA
Area Comparison
Lisbon is 1.2x smaller than San Francisco
Population Comparison
Lisbon has 1.6x fewer people than San Francisco
In terms of area, San Francisco is 1.2x the size of Lisbon. San Francisco spans 121 km² (47 mi²) while Lisbon covers 100 km² (39 mi²) — a difference of 21 km².
To put Lisbon's size in perspective, its area of 100 km² is roughly the same size as Paris (city proper). Meanwhile, San Francisco at 121 km² is about 1.2x the size of Paris (city proper).
Portugal's capital, one of Europe's oldest cities. Known as "City of Seven Hills", Lisbon covers 100 km² with a population of 0.6 million. The city was founded around 1200 BC. Lisbon is known for Belém Tower, Pastéis de nata, Tram 28, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Lisbon Metro.
Lisbon is older than Rome by about 400 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Western Europe
A cultural and financial center in Northern California. Often called "SF", San Francisco has an area of 121 km² and is home to 0.9 million people. The city dates back to 1776. Visitors come for Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Cable cars, and much more. Getting around is easy with the BART & Muni.
San Francisco's 121 km² makes it one of the smallest major US cities by area
Looking beyond city limits, the San Francisco metropolitan area covers 6,984 km², which is 2.3x larger than greater Lisbon at 3,015 km². The San Francisco metro area is also more populous, with 4.7 million people compared to 2.9 million.
Lisbon has a population density of 5,500 people per km² — a densely populated city. San Francisco, with 7,190 people per km², is a densely populated city. Both cities have comparable density, though San Francisco is slightly more compact.
This comparison spans continents — Lisbon in Europe versus San Francisco in North America. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Both cities share a Mediterranean climate, though local geography creates distinct microclimates in each. When it's noon in Lisbon, it's 4:00 AM in San Francisco — a 8-hour time difference.
Density Gap
San Francisco is 1.3x more densely populated
Time Difference
8 hours apart
History
Lisbon is ~2,976 years older
The straight-line distance from Lisbon to San Francisco is 9,116 km (5,665 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~11h 13m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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