Ramona Street in Palo Alto

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Palo Alto vs San Mateo

Two California cities 13 miles apart, side by side.

Palo AltoSan Mateo
Population67,231103,555
Median household income$220,408$152,669
Median home value$2,000,001$1,563,200
Median rent$3,328/mo$3,079/mo
Median age42.538
Homeownership54%51%
Property tax (effective)0.50%0.62%
Sales tax9.75%9.625%
Median home value
Median household income
Median rent

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Questions

Is Palo Alto or San Mateo cheaper?

For housing, San Mateo is cheaper: median home values are $2,000,001 in Palo Alto and $1,563,200 in San Mateo; median rents are $3,328 and $3,079.

Which has higher incomes, Palo Alto or San Mateo?

Palo Alto: median household income is $220,408 in Palo Alto and $152,669 in San Mateo.

How far is Palo Alto from San Mateo?

About 13 miles in a straight line.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; state revenue agencies for sales tax.

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