Is the San Francisco Bay Area Bigger Than Los Angeles?

When you’re stuck in traffic on I-80, or spending hours on the 405, both the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, California can feel huge.

But in reality, which region is bigger, the Bay Area or LA? It turns out there’s a clear winner. It’s not even close.

Geographical Size

Firstly, let’s look at the geographical size of both regions:

• The Bay Area:
  • The Bay Area encompasses nine counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Francisco.
  • Total area: Approximately 7,000 square miles.
• Los Angeles:
  • The Greater Los Angeles area includes Los Angeles County, Orange County, and parts of San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Ventura County.
  • Total area: Roughly 34,000 square miles.

Comparison Table

From a geographical standpoint, Los Angeles is significantly larger than the Bay Area.

Population

Next, we consider the population of both areas:

• The Bay Area:
  • Estimated population: Around 7.75 million.
• Los Angeles:
  • Estimated population of Greater Los Angeles: Over 18 million.

Population Comparison

Los Angeles has a substantially larger population than the Bay Area.

Economic Influence

The economic power of a region is also a vital aspect of its overall ‘size.’ Let’s compare:

• The Bay Area:
  • Known for its technology sector, particularly Silicon Valley.
  • Home to companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook.
• Los Angeles:
  • Dominated by entertainment, manufacturing, and international trade.
  • Home to Hollywood and major film studios.

Economic Overview

Both regions are economically significant, with the Bay Area leading in technology and Los Angeles in entertainment and trade.

So which region wins? According to a recent study, the Bay Area’s economy totals $949 billion, but LA brings in $1.3 trillion. No contest!

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bay Area is a hub of innovation and technology, Los Angeles, with its vast geographical expanse and larger population, is bigger in terms of both area and population.

However, both regions are equally important in their contributions to California’s and the nation’s culture. This comparison highlights the diversity and significance of California’s major urban centers.

Read Next

• What Are the Largest Cities in Southern California?
• How Big is San Francisco? Square Mileage, and How the City Compares to Others
• How Deep is the Water Under the Golden Gate Bridge?
• How Many Cars Commute in the Bay Area?
• What is Considered the Bay Area? The Definitive Answer