Mountain View, 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.
Mountain View
63.3
#1779 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
San Mateo leads in crime level (6.7 vs 8.4). Mountain View leads in average commute (24.2 min vs 28.5 min). Mountain View leads in median household income ($174,156 vs $149,152).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Mountain View, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.3 (#1779) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 81,785 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,962,774 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $174,156 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 24.2 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 66 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 8.4 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 285 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+40.0 | D+50.3 |
D
63.3 Score
Mountain View, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,962,774
Population
81,785
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
66
Pacific
View Mountain View, CA →
D
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →
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