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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Mill Valley or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Mill Valley is 8.0% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Mill Valley or San Mateo?
- Mill Valley housing costs are 16.5% more expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Mill Valley.
- Health related expenses are 6.2% less in Mill Valley.
 San Mateo, CAMill Valley, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock230.1100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.1100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,814,300$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock122.4100
 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 Mill Valley    7 Reviews

I lived in southern Marin County for 20 years and lived it. Just moved  More

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Over 15 years ago

Mill Valley is a perfect place to live and raise a family, if you don't mind a cost of living index of 233. Don't distress - go mountain biking or hiking with  More

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Over 16 years ago

Good weather all year around. Great public schools. Cost of living very high. Crime low wonderful outdoor activities nearby like hiking, beaches,  More

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