San Mateo, California vs. Santa Cruz, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Santa Cruz, California is 18.8% cheaper than San Mateo, California.

You would need a salary of $243,615 in Santa Cruz, California to maintain the standard of living you have in San Mateo, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Santa Cruz, California is cheaper than San Mateo, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
7% cheaper in Santa Cruz
than in San Mateo, California
San Mateo, CA vs. Santa Cruz, CA
Compared to San Mateo, Santa Cruz is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  18.8% lower
      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
  4.5% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  35.5% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  1.7% higher
  Commute
  22.9% lower
  Health
  7.0% lower
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  12.6% lower