Moving from Elk Grove, CA to San Mateo, CA
Relocating between Elk Grove, CA and San Mateo, CA is a 111 mi drive β 2h 14m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
111 mi Β· 2h 14m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | CA 99, I 580, CA 4 |
| Major cities en route | Sacramento, Roseville, Stockton, Modesto, Antioch |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elk Grove | San Mateo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.67 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 151.29 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 130.23 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.4% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $637,450 to $1,686,905 moving to San Mateo.
YoY change: Elk Grove -3.5%, San Mateo +0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elk Grove | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 18.1" | 19.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Elk Grove (61.8Β°F) and San Mateo (58.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SACRAMENTO EXECUTIVE AP, CA US, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elk Grove | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 177,221 | 103,555 |
| Median household income | $122,229 | $152,669 |
| Median age | 39 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 3.24 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.4% β $122,229 β $152,669 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Mateo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How far is San Mateo, CA from Elk Grove, CA?
The driving distance is 111 mi and the route typically takes 2h 14m via CA 99 and I 580. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elk Grove to San Mateo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 111 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in San Mateo compared to Elk Grove?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,686,905 in San Mateo vs $637,450 in Elk Grove β a 164.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in San Mateo compare to Elk Grove?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA vs $55,290 in the Elk Grove MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,048,170 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elk Grove vs San Mateo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $152,669 in San Mateo vs $122,229 in Elk Grove β a 24.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is San Mateo more expensive than Elk Grove?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Mateo is 8.4% higher than Elk Grove (115.613 vs 106.67, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elk Grove.
City profiles: Elk Grove, CA Β· San Mateo, CA.