Fullerton, CA vs San Mateo, CA

Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.

Score Snapshot

No universal winner

Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.

Fullerton

60.7

#1927 nationally

vs

San Mateo

63

#1808 nationally

San Mateo leads in crime level (6.7 vs 12.5). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $99,279). Fullerton leads in cost of living index (175 vs 249).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Fullerton, CA San Mateo, CA
WhereAtHome Score 60.7 (#1927) 63 (#1808)
Population 139,250 101,327
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $1,052,226 $1,685,162
Median Household Income $99,279 $149,152
Average Commute 30 min 28.5 min
Walk Score 54 68
Crime Level 12.5 6.7
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 175 249
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+2.6 D+50.3