Albany, 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.
Albany
68.2
#1329 nationally
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
Albany leads in crime level (3.8 vs 6.7). Albany leads in walk score (84 vs 68). Albany leads in cost of living index (207 vs 249).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Albany, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.2 (#1329) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 19,097 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,249,885 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $124,469 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 31.7 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 84 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 3.8 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 207 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | D+50.3 |
D+
68.2 Score
Albany, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,249,885
Population
19,097
Crime
Low
Walk Score
84
Pacific
View Albany, 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 →