San Mateo, CA Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 4 ZIP codes in San Mateo, California.
Avg Tax Rate
0.58%
Avg Annual Tax
$9,328
Avg Home Value
$1,632,975
ZIP Codes
4
Property Tax Overview: San Mateo, CA
San Mateo has 4 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 0.58%, which is 16% below the California average of 0.69%. Annual property taxes range from $10,001 (ZIP 94402) to $7,309 (ZIP 94401).
For a home at San Mateo's median value of $1,632,975, property taxes add approximately $791/month to housing costs. San Mateo home values are above the California median of $744,838, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.
Property tax rates within San Mateo vary by 0.15 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
San Mateo vs California Average
Effective Tax Rate
16% below state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in San Mateo, CA?
The average effective property tax rate in San Mateo, California is 0.58%, based on 4 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in San Mateo, CA?
The average median annual property tax in San Mateo is $9,328 per year, with a median home value of $1,632,975.
Which ZIP code in San Mateo has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 94402 has the lowest effective tax rate in San Mateo at 0.50%, with a median annual tax of $10,001.
How many ZIP codes are in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo, California has 4 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in San Mateo has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 94401 has the highest effective tax rate in San Mateo at 0.65%, with a median annual tax of $7,309.
How do San Mateo property taxes compare to the California average?
San Mateo's average effective rate of 0.58% is 16% below the California state average of 0.69%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in San Mateo?
Property tax rate differences within San Mateo are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.
Tips for San Mateo Homeowners
- •Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
- •Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
- •Know your assessment cycle: California reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
- •Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within San Mateo, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.
Looking for county-level property tax data? View San Mateo County on TaxByCounty.com
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.
Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.