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Cost of Living in Foster City, CA

Population 32,792 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$3,501
Median home value$1,838,200
Median household income$199,143

The median rent in Foster City, CA is $3,501/month, 72% higher than the California median and 148% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $1,838,200, 453% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $199,143 a year, 101% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 21.1%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $140,040/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 9.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $9,295/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Foster City vs. California vs. U.S.

Foster CityCaliforniaU.S.
Median rent$3,501$2,036$1,413
Median home value$1,838,200$734,700$332,700
Median household income$199,143$99,122$80,734
Homeownership rate50.8%55.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher73.8%37.1%35.7%
Poverty rate4.1%12.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.9%6.6%5.2%
Work from home34.2%17.2%15.1%
Median age39.537.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Foster City, CA?

The median gross rent in Foster City, CA is $3,501 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Foster City, CA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $140,040 a year in gross income.

Is Foster City, CA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 148% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 9.2 times the median household income.

Other cities in California

Los Angeles, CARent $1,933 · Income $81,939San Diego, CARent $2,313 · Income $108,077San Jose, CARent $2,669 · Income $146,427San Francisco, CARent $2,476 · Income $140,970Fresno, CARent $1,421 · Income $70,991Sacramento, CARent $1,779 · Income $87,321

Cities with a similar cost of living

Plainview, NYRent $3,392 · Income $189,906Parkland, FLRent $3,157 · Income $198,669Mill Creek East, WARent $3,152 · Income $192,937Colleyville, TXRent $3,263 · Income $218,328South Riding, VARent $2,905 · Income $196,403Merrick, NYRent $2,919 · Income $185,740

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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