San Mateo, Ca, United States Of America, United States Of America — cost of living
Wikipedia · San Mateo, California

San Mateo, Ca, United States Of America

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San Mateo, Ca, United States Of America

About San Mateo, Ca, United States Of America

Costs exclude rent
Single / month
$1,243
Family of 4 / mo
$3,214
Avg salary (after tax)
$8,475

San Mateo, California, is a charming city located on the San Francisco Peninsula. Known for its beautiful parks and friendly neighborhoods, San Mateo offers a great blend of suburban life and urban convenience. The city has a lovely downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a perfect spot for a weekend outing. One of the highlights of San Mateo is the picturesque Central Park, which features walking trails, playgrounds, and even a Japanese tea garden. With its close proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, San Mateo is a popular place for families and young professionals alike. Whether you're looking to explore nature, enjoy delicious food, or simply relax in a cozy community, San Mateo has something for everyone!

Data aggregated from public cost-of-living sources. See About for methodology.· Wikipedia · San Mateo, California· Updated May 22, 2026

Cost breakdown by category

Cost breakdown

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Fashion

  • Midrange Nike Running ShoesUSD $128.25
  • Summer Dress from Chain Stores (e.g., Zara, H&M)USD $41.4
  • Classic Jeans (e.g., Levi's 501)USD $70.88
  • Men's Dress ShoesUSD $194.4

Financial

  • Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed)USD $5
  • Average Monthly Salary After TaxUSD $8,475

Food - Beverages

  • CappuccinoUSD $6.26
  • Local Draft Beer (Pint)USD $9.45
  • Imported Beer (Small Bottle)USD $11.48
  • Soft Drinks (350 ml Bottle)USD $3.15
  • Bottled Water (350 ml)USD $2.55

Food - Dining

  • Casual Dining ExperienceUSD $33.75
  • Upscale Dinner for TwoUSD $135
  • Fast Food ComboUSD $13.16

Food - Grocery

  • Chicken Fillets (1 kg)USD $20.79
  • Beef Round (1 kg)USD $17.82
  • Apples (1 kg)USD $5.52
  • Bananas (1 kg)USD $2.61
  • Oranges (1 kg)USD $4.19
  • Tomatoes (1 kg)USD $4.84
  • Potatoes (1 kg)USD $4.01
  • Onions (1 kg)USD $3.56
  • Lettuce (1 Head)USD $2.51
  • Bottled Water (1.5L)USD $2.36
  • Midrange Bottle of WineUSD $19.58
  • Marlboro (20-Pack)USD $13.5
  • White Rice (1 kg)USD $5.76
  • Dozen EggsUSD $4.05
  • Local Cheese (1 kg)USD $14.26
  • Fresh White Bread (1 kg)USD $9.39
  • Milk (1 litre)USD $1.57

Housing

  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $6,548
  • Average Rent of 3-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $7,425
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments in City CenterUSD $2,993
  • Average Cost per Square Foot for Apartments Outside City CenterUSD $1,150
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment in City CenterUSD $3,901
  • Average Rent of 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City CenterUSD $3,358

Leisure

  • Monthly Fee for Fitness Club Membership (1 Adult)USD $108
  • Monthly Fee for Private Kindergarten (1 Child)USD $1,913
  • Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend)USD $22.5
  • Cinema Ticket (International Release)USD $20.25
  • Yearly Cost for International Primary School (1 Child)USD $31,500

Transportation

  • 1 Hour Taxi WaitUSD $67.5
  • Average Price of a New Sedan CarUSD $27,400
  • One-Way Local Transport FareUSD $4.73
  • Average Rate to Start a Taxi RideUSD $4.05
  • Average Monthly Cost of Public Transport PassUSD $221.4
  • Average Taxi Fare for 1 kmUSD $4.05
  • Average Price of a New Compact Hatchback CarUSD $32,400

Utilities (Monthly)

  • Internet Service (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited)USD $76.79
  • Average Monthly Cost for Essential Utilities in a 915 sq. ft. ApartmentUSD $232.12

Costs reflect a typical lifestyle in each place, excluding rent unless stated. Numbers are a starting point — always cross-check before big decisions.

  • Single / Family of 4 toggle. Family ≈ 2.7× single when no verified figure exists.
  • Estimated values use a ~ prefix and an "Estimated" label.
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How we calculate these numbers

When local data is missing (e.g. salary for a smaller city), we estimate from peer cities in the same country using a median ratio.

Full methodology, assumptions, and formulas live on our About page.