Cost of Living in San Mateo, California, United States

Are you considering a move to San Mateo, California, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? San Mateo, California is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in San Mateo, California and help you understand whether $4897 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $8736.67.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
San Mateo, California, United States
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

24.0 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

62.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10.0 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

7.0 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

7.5 $

Cappuccino (regular)

4.98 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.61 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.27 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.17 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

5.14 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

5.25 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

5.89 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

15.31 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

14.87 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

17.63 $

Apples (1 lb)

6.82 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.7 $

Oranges (1 lb)

7.02 $

Tomato (1 lb)

5.79 $

Potato (1 lb)

4.25 $

Onion (1 lb)

3.6 $

Lettuce (1 head)

2.22 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

2.62 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.0 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.73 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

5.33 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

12.0 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.5 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

132.0 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.2 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.86 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

40.0 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.26 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

22500.0 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

20296.33 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

284.68 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

57.5 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

110.0 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

16.67 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

15.0 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2533.33 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

21000.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

42.5 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

41.4 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

95.0 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

142.5 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

2525.0 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

2800.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

5500.0 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

--

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

11115.53 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

7534.74 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

8736.67 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.7 %

Cost of Living in San Mateo, California, United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in San Mateo, California?

The monthly expenses for living in San Mateo, California come to a total of approximately $4897. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2525 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $313 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1282 per month.

How affordable is living in San Mateo, California?

Living in San Mateo, California appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $8736.67. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in San Mateo, California, you would likely need an income exceeding $8736.67.

What is the average salary in San Mateo, California?

In San Mateo, California, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $8736.67, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in San Mateo, California?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of San Mateo, California is approximately $2525. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2800.0 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in San Mateo, California?

The expense for groceries in San Mateo, California can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $974 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in United States?

The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.

San Mateo, California, United States

How Safe Is San Mateo, California, United States for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in San Mateo, California, United States

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in San Mateo, with a slight edge to some of the crime numbers. Overall, it's nothing to lose sleep over, but we're going to walk you through it.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You have several options for public transportation here; Sam Trans, which takes you throughout San Mateo County, and Caltrain, which goes through Silicon Valley. Taxis and rideshares are also available. All come with low risk, though some local forums suggest keeping your eyes peeled at the Caltrain stations, just in case.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

There's a low risk, but 20 pickpockets or purse snatching were reported in 2020, which is higher than some other parts of the Peninsula like Sunnyvale and Mountain View. The only concerning thing about the theft numbers, in general, is that they've been on a steady increase since 2015.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

If there's one thing the Bay area is great at, it's getting ready in the event of an emergency. There are so many resources to read on the county website that will make you feel better about the medium risk that exists here. Earthquakes are the biggest, yet a rarest concern. There is a concern about fires and flooding too. Study the best safety practices before you go.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There's a low risk of being mugged, with only a fraction of the robberies reported impacting travelers. When you're downtown, especially at night, you should still use basic safety precautions.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk for San Mateo and the whole Bay area. That's just because there are a lot of major tech, safety, and military properties here and one of the largest United States populations.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

There are no scams that stick out here to concern a tourist. Even the city's website has a scam section that just talks broadly about getting scammed and how you shouldn't ever give someone money for a threat like taking you to jail or deporting you. There's a low risk.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women are safe here with low risk, but that nightlife downtown can pose some opportunities of chance if you don't pay close attention. Always watch as your drink is being poured, don't accept one from a stranger, and if you've met someone online, be sure to go to a public place with a security camera to meet them.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The tap water meets or exceeds all required standards. There's nothing that should make you be concerned with drinking it or using it for bathing. It's a low risk.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You're all set with the Visa once you get it okay at the airport. No other ID is needed to spend time in San Mateo.

currency_exchange

Currency

This is a place that only accepts U.S. Dollar, as well as the entire metro area and state. You won't need a lot of cash here, so it's better to only carry one credit card.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The coldest you'll get in the winter is a high of 57° and a low of 44°. Summers peak at a high of 74° (in September) and lows in the 50s. You'll need a jacket year-round, and don't expect this to be a warm beach vacation in tank tops and flip-flops. The weather changes appearance throughout the day, like from sunny to foggy, but rarely has large fluctuations in temperature.

flight_takeoff

Airports

You are SO close to the San Francisco International Airport in San Mateo. It's just seven miles away. Oakland's airport is 25 miles away with a spectacular drive over the bay. San Jose's airport is about 30 miles south.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

It's a good idea to have travel insurance for a trip to San Mateo. Even the smartest technology companies in the world can't make a plane land or take off in the fog, so it's best to protect yourself.

San Mateo, California, United States

What about weather in San Mateo, California, United States ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 57°F 60°F 62°F 65°F 68°F 71°F 72°F 73°F 73°F 70°F 63°F 57°F
Temp 50°F 52°F 54°F 56°F 59°F 61°F 63°F 63°F 63°F 61°F 55°F 50°F
Low 45°F 47°F 48°F 50°F 52°F 55°F 56°F 57°F 57°F 54°F 49°F 45°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 13°C 15°C 16°C 18°C 20°C 21°C 22°C 22°C 22°C 21°C 17°C 13°C
Temp 10°C 11°C 12°C 13°C 15°C 16°C 17°C 17°C 17°C 16°C 12°C 10°C
Low 7°C 8°C 8°C 10°C 11°C 12°C 13°C 13°C 13°C 12°C 9°C 7°C

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