Are San Francisco and Los Angeles rivals? San Francisco and Los Angeles are two of the most popular cities in California and the United States. Despite their close proximity and shared history, the two cities have often been seen as rivals. This rivalry is often seen in the business, sports and cultural fields, as the cities compete for attention and resources. While there is a certain level of competition between San Francisco and Los Angeles, both cities also have a great respect for each other, and both have contributed to the culture and development of California.