Special Interest
Housing in San Mateo County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in San Mateo County averages $2,922/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the California median of $2,036 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 29% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for San Mateo County FMR Area are $2,808 for a studio, $3,364 for 1‑bedroom, $4,072 for 2‑bedroom, $5,201 for 3‑bedroom, and $5,391 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $1150 increase for a 2-bedroom in San Mateo County shows a 39% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for San Mateo County was 3.6% in 2024, compared to California at 5.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
