San Mateo vs Redwood City: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Redwood City is 1% safer. San Mateo population: 103,337. Redwood City population: 82,178.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living
Cost of living data is not available for either city. Try the salary calculator for cities with data.
Safety: San Mateo vs Redwood City
Redwood City is 1% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.1 per 1,000 residents vs San Mateo's 21.4. Redwood City earns a B- safety grade compared to San Mateo's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
San Mateo
California
Redwood City
California
| Metric | San Mateo | Redwood City |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 21.4/1K | 21.1/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 440.2 | 456.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1699.3 | 1652.7 |
| Murder Rate | 7.9 | 6.6 |
| Assault Rate | 350.4 | 370.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 111.4 | 95.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 267.9 | 200.0 |
| Theft Rate | 1389.2 | 1272.2 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 389.4 | 383.2 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In San Mateo, you have a 1 in 47 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 47 in Redwood City.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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