Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Mateo, CA
Considering a move to San Mateo, CA? With a population of around 105,000, this vibrant Bay Area city offers top-rated schools, a diverse community, and a mild coastal climate with 68% sunny days per year. The median home price stands at $1.48M and average two-bedroom rents are about $3,300, reflecting a high cost of living. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 28 minutes, robust incomes, and access to excellent healthcare and local amenities. San Mateo’s low crime rates and strong educational attainment make it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - San Mateo, CA
Demographics - San Mateo, CA
San Mateo is home to approximately 106,000 residents, with a population density of 8,900 per square mile and a median age close to 40. The city boasts a diverse cultural mix, with significant White, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino communities, and nearly 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere ideal for newcomers seeking an inclusive environment.
Population:
105,661
Density:
8,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
39.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
29.1%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Mateo, CA?
Living in San Mateo comes with a high cost, as reflected by a median home value of $1.48 million and average monthly rent around $3,100. The cost of living index is more than double the national average, driven primarily by housing expenses, while utilities, groceries, and transportation also trend above average. Residents should expect a premium lifestyle with corresponding expenses.
Median House Value:
$1,480,000
Gross Rent:
$3,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,850
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,100
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
215.7
Grocery:
130.4
Housing:
360.9
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
140.1
Health Care:
125.3
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is San Mateo, CA a safe place to live?
San Mateo offers a relatively safe environment, with a violent crime rate of 173 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime rates below the national average. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 577, making it a reassuring choice for families and professionals. Overall, the city provides a secure setting for daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
173
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,412
Crime Index:
2,585
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 577
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in San Mateo, CA year-round?
San Mateo enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s in winter to the high 70s in summer. With nearly 68% sunny days each year and about 20 inches of rainfall, residents can expect pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. The area’s temperate conditions make it attractive for those who value year-round comfort.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
San Mateo households benefit from high median incomes, with household earnings around $140,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.9%. The community is well-educated, with over 57% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are under 30 minutes. These factors contribute to a prosperous and connected local atmosphere.
Median Income:
$70,500
Household Income:
$139,800
Family Income:
$161,200
Per Capita Income:
$68,400
Income Male:
$82,500
Income Female:
$61,400
Poverty Rate:
6.9%
Non English Speakers:
39.6%
Rent:
$3,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
11.5%
Commute Time:
27.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
57.1%
Education
How are the schools in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo offers a strong educational landscape, with reputable public schools like San Mateo High School and Bayside Academy, and private institutions such as Junipero Serra High School. The city is also home to the College of San Mateo, serving nearly 8,000 students, and is close to additional colleges, supporting lifelong learning. High educational attainment among residents reflects the community’s commitment to academic excellence.
Public Schools
Name:
San Mateo High School
Street:
506 N Delaware St
Phone:
650-558-2399
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Bayside Academy
Street:
2025 Kehoe Ave
Phone:
650-312-6818
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Private Schools
Name:
Junipero Serra High School
Street:
451 W 20th Ave
Phone:
650-345-8207
Students:
860
Colleges
Name:
College of San Mateo
City:
San Mateo
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Notre Dame de Namur University
City:
Belmont
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,300
Healthcare
San Mateo residents enjoy convenient access to major medical centers, including San Mateo Medical Center and Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, both offering comprehensive care and emergency services. With 3.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 94% health insurance coverage, the city provides strong healthcare support. This ensures peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
San Mateo Medical Center
Address:
222 W 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
Phone:
(650) 573-2222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Address:
1501 Trousdale Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone:
(650) 696-5400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
79.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Mateo, CA?
The housing market in San Mateo is competitive, with a median home price of $1.48 million and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $3,300. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low, reflecting steady demand. Home values have appreciated by 3.2% in the past year, making it an attractive area for investment.
Median Home Price:
$1,480,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
San Mateo residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located on North Amphlett Boulevard, offering comprehensive services for drivers and vehicle owners. The DMV provides easy access for licensing, registration, and other transportation needs. Appointments and resources are available through the official California DMV website for added convenience.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
425 N. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.