2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Mateo, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Palo Alto older or younger than people in San Mateo?
- The Median Age in Palo Alto is 4.1 years older than in San Mateo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palo Alto or San Mateo?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 125.4% more expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palo Alto or San Mateo?
- The average commute for residents of Palo Alto is 3.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Mateo.

Things to do in San Mateo?
San Mateo, California is a vibrant city located in San Mateo County. From its breathtaking views to its many cultural attractions, San Mateo has something for everyone! Outdoor activities like Coyote Point Recreation Area and Golden Gate National Recreation Area will keep visitors entertained all day long. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the San Mateo Main Library or the Museum of San Carlos History. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like The Fish Market or Los Primos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, San Mateo is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!

Things to do in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto, California is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Home to Stanford University and various tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, it has long been known as the epicenter for cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. Residents here enjoy warm weather year round, excellent public schools, a thriving nightlife scene, plus vast amounts of green space perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. There's also no shortage of culture with world class museums and galleries showcasing some of the area’s most celebrated artworks. With its abundant resources and booming economy, Palo Alto truly offers something for everyone!

 San Mateo, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,624329,725,481
 Median Income$133,612  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,378,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time27.77  Unlock26.38
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 Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

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Over 17 years ago

Very  More

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Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

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