Living in Foster City, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Foster City · Census data 2020–2024
Foster City has 32,792 residents with a median age of 39.5. The median household income is $199,143 (101% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,838,200, the median rent is $3,501/month.
Foster City at a glance
- Population
- 32,792
- Median age
- 39.5State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $199,143State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,838,200State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,501/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 50.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 73.8%
- Average commute
- 29 min
Is Foster City a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 101% higher than the California median; unemployment of 4.9%; a poverty rate of 4.1%.
Cons: Home values 150% higher than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Foster City
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Foster City the median home value is $1,838,200, 453% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,501 per month, which is 25.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Foster City median household income
The median household income in Foster City is $199,143 and the income per person is $98,585. 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Foster City: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 13,617
- Owner-occupied
- 50.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 49.2%
- Vacant
- 4.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.51
Foster City demographics
- Population
- 32,792
- Median age
- 39.5
- Under 18
- 22.2%
- 65 and older
- 17.6%
- Households
- 12,998
- Foreign-born
- 49.5%
- Veterans
- 2.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Foster City ›
Education in Foster City
73.8% of adults 25 and older in Foster City have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 40.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Foster City
- Unemployment rate
- 4.9%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 29 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 34.2%
- Drive alone
- 51.8%
- Public transit
- 2.9%
- Walk to work
- 1.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 98.1%
Foster City vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $1,838,200 | $3,501 |
| San Mateo | 103,105 | $153,504 | $1,618,700 | $3,077 |
| Redwood City | 82,447 | $157,814 | $1,801,700 | $2,968 |
| Belmont | 27,337 | $205,297 | $2,000,001 | $2,875 |
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | $2,000,001 | $2,854 |
| Baywood Park | 1,580 | $217,206 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Hillsborough | 11,099 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Highlands | 2,450 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | $2,000,001 | $2,785 |
More for people moving to Foster City
Foster City ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Foster City: FAQ
What is the median household income in Foster City, CA?
The median household income in Foster City is $199,143, 101% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Foster City?
The median home value in Foster City is $1,838,200, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Foster City?
The median gross rent in Foster City is $3,501 per month, about 25.5% of household income.
Is Foster City, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 101% higher than the California median; unemployment of 4.9%; a poverty rate of 4.1%. Minuses: home values 150% higher than the state median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
What is the median age in Foster City?
The median age in Foster City is 39.5 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Foster City?
The average commute to work in Foster City is 29 minutes; 34.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Foster City?
The unemployment rate in Foster City is 4.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Foster City?
73.8% of adults in Foster City have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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