San Francisco, CA vs San Mateo, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | San Mateo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 265 | 294 | San Francisco |
| Housing | 396 ($1,693) | 449 ($2,155) | San Francisco |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | San Mateo |
| Food & groceries | 189 ($775) | 204 ($836) | San Francisco |
| Utilities | 248 ($713) | 275 ($808) | San Francisco |
| Healthcare | 248 ($515) | 275 ($584) | San Francisco |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco, CA or San Mateo, CA cheaper to live in?
San Francisco, CA is cheaper overall by about 29 index points (San Francisco, CA: 265, San Mateo, CA: 294; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA vs San Mateo, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $92,750/year in San Francisco, CA and $102,900/year in San Mateo, CA to cover basic living costs.