Living in San Mateo, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Mateo · Census data 2020–2024
San Mateo has 103,105 residents with a median age of 38.3. The median household income is $153,504 (55% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,618,700, the median rent is $3,077/month.
San Mateo at a glance
- Population
- 103,105
- Median age
- 38.3State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $153,504State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,618,700State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $3,077/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 49.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 57.8%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is San Mateo a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 55% higher than the California median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 8.2%.
Cons: Home values 120% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in San Mateo
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Mateo the median home value is $1,618,700, 387% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $3,077 per month, which is 28.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
San Mateo median household income
The median household income in San Mateo is $153,504 and the income per person is $84,247. 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Mateo: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 42,641
- Owner-occupied
- 49.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 50.1%
- Vacant
- 6.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1965
- Average household size
- 2.54
San Mateo demographics
- Population
- 103,105
- Median age
- 38.3
- Under 18
- 19.6%
- 65 and older
- 17%
- Households
- 39,895
- Foreign-born
- 36.2%
- Veterans
- 2.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Mateo ›
Education in San Mateo
57.8% of adults 25 and older in San Mateo have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 26.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Mateo
- Unemployment rate
- 4.6%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 24.8%
- Drive alone
- 57.7%
- Public transit
- 4.9%
- Walk to work
- 2.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.6%
San Mateo vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | 103,105 | $153,504 | $1,618,700 | $3,077 |
| Hillsborough | 11,099 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Baywood Park | 1,580 | $217,206 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Belmont | 27,337 | $205,297 | $2,000,001 | $2,875 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | $1,838,200 | $3,501 |
| Highlands | 2,450 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | $3,501 |
| Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | $2,000,001 | $2,785 |
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | $2,000,001 | $2,854 |
| Millbrae | 22,689 | $163,476 | $1,934,900 | $3,272 |
More for people moving to San Mateo
San Mateo ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Mateo: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Mateo, CA?
The median household income in San Mateo is $153,504, 55% 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 Mateo?
The median home value in San Mateo is $1,618,700, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Mateo?
The median gross rent in San Mateo is $3,077 per month, about 28.4% of household income.
Is San Mateo, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 55% higher than the California median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%; a poverty rate of 8.2%. Minuses: home values 120% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Mateo?
The median age in San Mateo is 38.3 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Mateo?
The average commute to work in San Mateo is 26 minutes; 24.8% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Mateo?
The unemployment rate in San Mateo is 4.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Mateo?
57.8% of adults in San Mateo 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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