CaliforniaPop. 103,105Mid-size cities
Is San Mateo a Good Place to Live? San Mateo, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Mateo ranks #130 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($153,504, #7 of 256) and low violent crime (168 per 100,000, #37 of 235), and trails on high rents ($3,077/mo, #256 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,618,700, #255 of 256).
San Mateo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Mateo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Mateo?
San Mateo's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,077/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,672,329, 2.2 times the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Mateo | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 115.6#1284 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,672,329#1177 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,917/mo#1100 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,618,700#1301 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $3,077/mo#1297 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 10.5x#1290 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.1%#911 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Mateo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Mateo is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Mateo safe?
San Mateo recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% below the US rate of 373 and 62% below California's 440. That ranks #279 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #37 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Mateo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,502 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | San Mateo | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 168#279 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,502#479 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Mateo?
The median household in San Mateo earns $153,504, 2 times the US figure of $76,827 and 67% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | San Mateo | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $153,504#38 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.2%#346 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Mateo?
The median resident of San Mateo is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 57.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #151 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Mateo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 57.8%#151 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 49.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Mateo's schools and health?
San Mateo's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $21,614 spent per pupil. 23% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | San Mateo | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.7#931 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,614#140 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23%#62 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.3%#289 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,686 students are enrolled in San Mateo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Mateo?
The average commute in San Mateo is 26.1 minutes (California 25.2); 4.9% of workers take transit and 24.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Mateo scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 63.8°F and winters 52.1°F, with 19.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Mateo | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7%#835 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 57.7% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.9% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.7% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.8% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58 | 44.5 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 60.8 | 46.1 | 4 |
| Mar | 63.4 | 47.6 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 49.1 | 1.4 |
| May | 68.3 | 51.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 71.5 | 53.6 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 72.6 | 55.3 | 0 |
| Aug | 73.4 | 56.4 | 0 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 55.9 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 72.3 | 53.4 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 64.3 | 48.5 | 2 |
| Dec | 58.2 | 44.6 | 4.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco International Airport.
| Measure | San Mateo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 63.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 19.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Francisco International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Mateo?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | San Mateo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.37%#1159 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for San Mateo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, San Mateo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.19% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0025% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 82% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.005% | 73% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0041% | 67% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 60% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Mateo compare with similar-size cities?
San Mateo is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #17 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 103,105.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #130 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 | 26.1 min |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #35 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #178 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #287 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #841 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 | 14.3 min |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #109 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #150 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 | 34.7 min |
| St. George, UTPop. 101,995 | #547 | 57.3 | $76,508 | $1,545/mo | 191 | 17.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Mateo compare with the rest of California?
San Mateo ranks #6 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 67.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 67% above the California median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.2 times the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Mateo among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is San Mateo's score calculated?
San Mateo scores 67.1 out of 100, #130 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Mateo. Similar-size median 52.9.
86.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Mateo's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
85.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Mateo. Similar-size median 53.8.
79.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Mateo's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
66.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Mateo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
14.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Mateo. Similar-size median 51.2.
90.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Mateo. Similar-size median 42.1.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Mateo. Similar-size median 50.1.
66.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Mateo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
46.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Mateo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Mateo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Mateo
Is San Mateo, CA a good place to live?
San Mateo ranks #130 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #17 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($153,504, #7 of 256) and low violent crime (168 per 100,000, #37 of 235), and trails on high rents ($3,077/mo, #256 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,618,700, #255 of 256).
What is the cost of living in San Mateo?
San Mateo's cost of living index is 115.6, 16% above the US level of 100 and #1284 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $3,077/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,672,329, 2.2 times the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Mateo?
San Mateo recorded 168 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% below the US rate of 373 and 62% below California's 440. That ranks #279 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #37 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Mateo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,502 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in San Mateo?
The median household in San Mateo earns $153,504, 2 times the US figure of $76,827 and 67% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in San Mateo?
Median rent in San Mateo is $3,077/mo (Census), #1297 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,917/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Mateo?
Zillow's typical home value in San Mateo is $1,672,329, up 4.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,618,700.
How are the public schools in San Mateo?
San Mateo's 18 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (California 85%), with 19.7 students per teacher and $21,614 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Mateo?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Mateo?
San Mateo averages 58.7°F over the year, 63.8°F in summer and 52.1°F in winter, with 19.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Mateo walkable?
San Mateo scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Mateo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts San Mateo County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.37% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Mateo?
San Mateo County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Mateo?
San Mateo has 103,105 residents. The median resident of San Mateo is 38.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 57.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #151 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Mateo compare with the rest of California?
San Mateo ranks #6 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 67.1 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 67% above the California median. Violent crime is 62% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.2 times the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Mateo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Mateo's population of 103,105 are Columbia, MD (#35 overall), Lee's Summit, MO (#178 overall), Bend, OR (#287 overall), South Bend, IN (#863 overall), and Wichita Falls, TX (#841 overall). San Mateo is #130.