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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Palm Desert or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- Palm Desert is 47.5% less expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, Palm Desert or San Mateo?
- Palm Desert housing costs are 70.9% less expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in Palm Desert.
- Health related expenses are 25.6% less in Palm Desert.
 San Mateo, CAPalm Desert, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock131.2100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock87.3100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$539,000$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.8100
 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 Palm Desert    14 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Palm Desert, CA is full of rude people. One woman in a long sleeved pink shirt is being extremely rude and mocking people for no reason at a neighborhood Walmart in Palm  More

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Palm Desert is clean, upscale and beautiful. The views of the Santa Rosa Mountains bright blue sky and green expanses of golf course fairways, swimming pools and  More

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I made the mistake of moving here after a short vacation to be closer to family. Biggest mistake of my life! This is not the place to live if health is important to you.  More

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