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

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in San Carlos or is it cheaper to live in San Mateo?
- San Carlos is 0.0% more expensive than San Mateo.

Which city has more affordable housing, San Carlos or San Mateo?
- San Carlos housing costs are 41.1% more expensive than San Mateo housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in San Mateo or is Health Care more affordable in San Carlos.
- Health related expenses are 0.0% less in San Carlos.
 San Mateo, CASan Carlos, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock250.0100
 Food & Groceries116.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.4100
 Housing537.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$2,103,500$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock144.1100
 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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Start Your Review of San Mateo

Reviews for San Carlos    1 Reviews

Over 18 years ago

I have lived in San Carlos for over 15 years and absolutely love it! There is a great mix of age groups and it is becoming more ethnically diverse. Kids play on my  More

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Start Your Review of San Carlos


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