When people think of San Francisco, they often picture its iconic landmarks and bustling city streets, but the true essence of living in San Francisco extends beyond the urban core. The suburbs of San Francisco are diverse residential areas that offer a more relaxed lifestyle while still providing convenient access to the city’s dynamic amenities. These San Francisco suburbs are spread across various parts of the Bay Area, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore some of the most notable San Francisco suburbs—from scenic coastal towns to hillside retreats—highlighting key aspects such as population, average rent, and what makes each area stand out. Whether you’re searching for the perfect apartment in San Francisco or curious about the different SF neighborhoods surrounding the city, let’s discover the best parts of the Bay Area to call home.
Cost of living in San Francisco
Before we dive into the top San Francisco suburbs, let’s cover how much it costs to live in the Bay Area. The overall cost of living in San Francisco is significantly higher than the national average, around 70% higher, largely driven by the housing market. The median sale price for a home in San Francisco is around $1,413,400, which is about 227% higher than the national average of $432,657. Rent follows a similar trend, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco at $3,540, also well above the national average of $1,514.
While some suburbs around San Francisco offer more affordable options, others can be just as expensive, if not more. Here, we’ll explore a range of top suburbs, providing different lifestyle and housing opportunities depending on your budget and preferences.
If you’re looking for more specific rental insights, check out our guides on the 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA for Renters in 2024 and the 6 Most Expensive Neighborhoods in San Francisco to Rent in 2024.
1. Burlingame
Known for: Proximity to San Francisco, charming downtown, tree-lined streets
Burlingame, located just south of San Francisco, offers a blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and upscale shopping district, Burlingame has long been a sought-after suburb for those looking to be close to the city while enjoying a relaxed, scenic atmosphere. The area is well-connected by public transit, making commuting to downtown San Francisco or the nearby Silicon Valley tech hubs convenient. Burlingame’s vibrant dining scene and local boutique shopping also contribute to its appeal.
Population: 30,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,698
Median home sale price: $2,437,500
Burlingame transportation scores: Walk Score 70, Bike Score 64
Apartments for rent in Burlingame, CA | Houses for rent in Burlingame, CA | Homes for sale in Burlingame, CA
2. Mill Valley
Known for: Outdoor recreation, proximity to nature, upscale living
Mill Valley, situated just north of San Francisco in Marin County, is known for its proximity to some of the Bay Area’s most stunning outdoor destinations, including Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. The suburb has a small-town vibe with a charming downtown area that features boutique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. Mill Valley is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, while also being within an easy drive of San Francisco’s city life.
Population: 14,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,450
Median home sale price: $1,647,000
Mill Valley transportation scores: Walk Score 93, Bike Score 55
Apartments for rent in Mill Valley, CA | Houses for rent in Mill Valley, CA | Homes for sale in Mill Valley, CA
3. Palo Alto
Known for: Tech industry hub, Stanford University, affluent community
Palo Alto is a globally recognized suburb, primarily due to its role as a central hub in Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University. With its high concentration of tech companies and startups, Palo Alto draws professionals from across the world. The city offers a mix of upscale living, top-rated schools, and a diverse community of academics, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Downtown Palo Alto is packed with high-end restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, making it a lively area for residents.
Population: 68,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,688
Median home sale price: $3,620,000
Palo Alto transportation scores: Walk Score 61, Bike Score 91, Transit Score 37
Apartments for rent in Palo Alto, CA | Houses for rent in Palo Alto, CA | Homes for sale in Palo Alto, CA
4. San Mateo
Known for: Bustling downtown, strong job market, cultural diversity
San Mateo is a vibrant and bustling suburb located between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Known for its diverse population and strong local economy, San Mateo offers a mix of urban and suburban living with a thriving downtown area that features restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. The city’s central location makes it popular with commuters, while its wide variety of parks and recreational facilities appeal to those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Population: 104,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,860
Median home sale price: $1,585,000
San Mateo transportation scores: Walk Score 68, Bike Score 65, Transit Score 39
Apartments for rent in San Mateo, CA | Houses for rent in San Mateo, CA | Homes for sale in San Mateo, CA
5. South San Francisco
Known for: Biotech industry, easy commute to San Francisco, suburban lifestyle
Often referred to as “The Industrial City,” South San Francisco is home to many of the world’s top biotech companies. Located just south of the city, South San Francisco is a convenient suburb for professionals working in the biotech industry or in downtown San Francisco. The area offers a suburban feel with a strong sense of community, with many parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. Its proximity to major highways and BART stations makes commuting easy.
Population: 67,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,171
Median home sale price: $1,290,000
South San Francisco transportation scores: Walk Score 63, Bike Score 42
Apartments for rent in South San Francisco, CA | Houses for rent in South San Francisco, CA | Homes for sale in South San Francisco, CA
6. Redwood City
Known for: Thriving downtown, tech industry, cultural diversity
Redwood City, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, is known for its revitalized downtown area, cultural diversity, and thriving tech industry. With a bustling dining and entertainment scene, Redwood City has grown into a popular suburb for professionals commuting to Silicon Valley or San Francisco. The community hosts frequent cultural events, and its proximity to the coast provides access to outdoor activities like hiking and beach trips.
Population: 86,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,535
Median home sale price: $1,780,000
Redwood City transportation scores: Walk Score 62, Bike Score 67
Apartments for rent in Redwood City, CA | Houses for rent in Redwood City, CA | Homes for sale in Redwood City, CA
7. Foster City
Known for: Waterfront living, planned community, high quality of life
Foster City, east of San Mateo, is a planned community that is well-known for its abundance of waterfront properties, parks, and recreational spaces. Built around a network of lagoons, Foster City offers a unique lifestyle with opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and scenic views. With highly-rated schools, ample green spaces, and a tight-knit community, Foster City is a peaceful and attractive suburb for those looking for a slower-paced environment.
Population: 33,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,156
Median home sale price: $1,740,000
Foster City transportation scores: Walk Score 50, Bike Score 64
Apartments for rent in Foster City, CA | Houses for rent in Foster City, CA | Homes for sale in Foster City, CA
8. Walnut Creek
Known for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, cultural scene
Located in the East Bay, Walnut Creek is known for its natural beauty, upscale shopping centers, and cultural scene. The area has a rich offering of parks and open spaces, making it a favorite for nature lovers. Its vibrant downtown is home to many retail shops, fine dining, and entertainment venues. Walnut Creek is well-connected to San Francisco by BART, making it convenient for commuters who prefer a quieter suburban lifestyle.
Population: 70,000
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,606
Median home sale price: $819,500
Walnut Creek transportation scores: Walk Score 41, Bike Score 49, Transit Score 25
Apartments for rent in Walnut Creek, CA | Houses for rent in Walnut Creek, CA | Homes for sale in Walnut Creek, CA
Methodology: The suburbs included in this list were selected based on their overall popularity, determined by search trends and housing demand in the San Francisco area. Average rent and home sale price data were sourced from Redfin and Rent.com as of October 2024. Transportation data, including Walk Scores, Bike Scores, and Transit Scores, was sourced from Walk Score.