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Last updated: Feb 2026

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San Mateo

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

San Mateo is a mid-sized city in CA with a population of 103,524 residents. With a median home price of $846,717 (142% above the national median) and median household income of $82,922, San Mateo is considered very expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 10.2x.

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Home Price
$846,717
Population
103,524
Nearby Cities
San Mateo
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in San Mateo features a median home price of $846,717, which is 142% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $3,528, 135% above the national average. Over the past decade, rent has increased by 27%.

Median Home Price$846,717
Monthly Rent$3,528
Annual Housing Cost$14,527
Rent Growth (10yr)+27%

Demographics

San Mateo has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population103,524
Median Age39.3 years
Household Size2.64
US Size Rank#403
Economy

Economy & Income

San Mateo offers a median household income of $82,922, which is 18% higher than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 51% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$82,922
Unemployment Rate6.9%
Price to Income Ratio10.2x
Monthly Rent / Income51%

Safety & Quality of Life

481
Violent Crime per 100k
2165
Property Crime per 100k
2647
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of San Mateo is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionCA
Climate TypeWarm
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting San Mateo during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Popular Comparisons from San Mateo

See how San Mateo compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

San Mateo vs New YorkNY
San Mateo vs Los AngelesCA
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San Mateo vs AustinTX
San Mateo vs San FranciscoCA
San Mateo vs SeattleWA
San Mateo vs DenverCO
San Mateo vs BostonMA

Frequently Asked Questions about San Mateo

What is the cost of living in San Mateo, CA?

The median home price in San Mateo is $846,717, with average monthly rent of $3,528. The median household income is $82,922, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 10.2x.

Is San Mateo affordable?

San Mateo is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 10.2x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of San Mateo?

San Mateo has a population of 103,524 residents, making it the #403 largest city in the United States.

How safe is San Mateo?

San Mateo has a violent crime rate of 481 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. The property crime rate is 2165 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

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