Living in San Carlos, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Carlos · Census data 2020–2024
San Carlos has 29,614 residents with a median age of 41.7. The median household income is $237,470 (140% higher than the California median), the median home value is $2,000,001, the median rent is $2,854/month.
San Carlos at a glance
- Population
- 29,614
- Median age
- 41.7State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $237,470State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $2,000,001State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,854/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 67.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 70.2%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is San Carlos a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 140% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; unemployment of 5%; a poverty rate of 3.3%.
Cons: Home values 172% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in San Carlos
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Carlos the median home value is $2,000,001, 501% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,854 per month, which is 26.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
San Carlos median household income
The median household income in San Carlos is $237,470 and the income per person is $127,894. 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Carlos: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 11,627
- Owner-occupied
- 67.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 32.2%
- Vacant
- 5.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1962
- Average household size
- 2.68
San Carlos demographics
- Population
- 29,614
- Median age
- 41.7
- Under 18
- 23.4%
- 65 and older
- 16.5%
- Households
- 11,001
- Foreign-born
- 25.9%
- Veterans
- 2.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Carlos ›
Education in San Carlos
70.2% of adults 25 and older in San Carlos have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 37.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Carlos
- Unemployment rate
- 5%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 35%
- Drive alone
- 52.3%
- Public transit
- 3.2%
- Walk to work
- 1.2%
- Homes with broadband
- 98.5%
San Carlos vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | $2,000,001 | $2,854 |
| Belmont | 27,337 | $205,297 | $2,000,001 | $2,875 |
| Emerald Lake Hills | 4,235 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Redwood City | 82,447 | $157,814 | $1,801,700 | $2,968 |
| North Fair Oaks | 13,100 | $104,884 | $1,276,900 | $2,314 |
| Highlands | 2,450 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Baywood Park | 1,580 | $217,206 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $1,838,200 | $3,501 |
| Atherton | 6,993 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
More for people moving to San Carlos
San Carlos ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Carlos: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Carlos, CA?
The median household income in San Carlos is $237,470, 140% 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 San Carlos?
The median home value in San Carlos is $2,000,001, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Carlos?
The median gross rent in San Carlos is $2,854 per month, about 26.1% of household income.
Is San Carlos, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 140% higher than the California median; an average commute of 25 minutes; unemployment of 5%; a poverty rate of 3.3%. Minuses: home values 172% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Carlos?
The median age in San Carlos is 41.7 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Carlos?
The average commute to work in San Carlos is 25 minutes; 35% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Carlos?
The unemployment rate in San Carlos is 5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Carlos?
70.2% of adults in San Carlos 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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