San Mateo, California vs. Palo Alto, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Palo Alto, California is 72.7% more expensive than San Mateo, California.

You would need a salary of $500,846 in Palo Alto, California to maintain the standard of living you have in San Mateo, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Palo Alto, California is more expensive than San Mateo, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
125% more expensive in Palo Alto
than in San Mateo, California
San Mateo, CA vs. Palo Alto, CA
Compared to San Mateo, Palo Alto is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  72.7% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  6.6% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  109.0% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  2.2% lower
  Commute
  2.0% lower
  Health
  8.3% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  11.5% lower