2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
San Mateo, CA vs Berkeley, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Berkeley or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Berkeley is 21.8% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Berkeley or San Mateo?
- Berkeley housing costs are 3.1% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Berkeley.
- Health related expenses are 0.5% less in Berkeley.
 San Mateo, CABerkeley, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock195.5100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock116.8100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,600$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock118.7100
 Miscellaneous161.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for San Mateo    12 Reviews

I have lived in San Mateo since 2013. It has seen tremendous growth, lots of new restaurants which have become progressively more high-end though there is ample  More

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I'm a native of California. I have lived in the southern part of the state and the northern part of the state for most of my life. I have spent the last 29 years in  More

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Over 15 years ago

San Mateo has a diverse mix of people, a pleasant climate, a very pleasant downtown park with lots going on, and pretty much whatever you need handy. It's not far to  More

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Reviews for Berkeley    14 Reviews

Have lived in Berkeley for about 35 years now. Housing/Real Estate: If you're looking to move here, $1,000,000 will get you a small cottage in the "flats". Most of  More

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Over 12 years ago

We have the best climate -- summers and winters are mild. Lots of  More

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Over 14 years ago

The 60's have left Berkeley and now it is about MONEY...and the people there have plenty of it and nice hybrid cars (looks like 2 per household) and with a great bicycle  More

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