Cost of Living in Burlingame, CA
Population 30,526 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $2 million, the typical home in Burlingame costs about 7× the national median, a premium characteristic of resort and luxury markets rather than primary-residence metros.
Burlingame is part of the immediate San Mateo metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than San Mateo's $1.6 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Burlingame
The median home value in Burlingame is $2,000,001 — 556% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,643/month, 101% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $168,832/year is 126% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 66.9°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, Burlingame has a cost of living index of 474 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 374% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 61 | 63 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 75 | 72 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 45 | 46 | 48 | 49 | 52 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 53 | 49 | 45 |
| Precip" | 3.89 | 3.96 | 2.73 | 1.36 | 0.48 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 0.07 | 0.79 | 2.04 | 4.14 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Burlingame, CA?
Burlingame has a cost index of 474 (100 = national average). It is 374% above the national average.
What is average rent in Burlingame, CA?
The median gross rent in Burlingame is $2,643 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Burlingame?
The median home value in Burlingame is $2,000,001 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Burlingame?
The median household income in Burlingame is $168,832 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Burlingame, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Burlingame is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Burlingame, CA affordable?
Burlingame is above average in cost of living, with an index of 474 — about 374% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Burlingame?
Burlingame has average high temperatures of 66.9°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 19.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Burlingame at a Glance
- Population
- 30,526
- Median Income
- $168,832
- Home Value
- $2,000,001
- Median Rent
- $2,643/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data