Welcome to San Mateo
A smart choice in Silicon Valley’s heart
USD 20,000–38,000/year
Annual tuition fees
USD 1,400–2,200/month
Monthly living costs
Why study in San Mateo
San Mateo offers the perfect blend of academic ambition and Californian lifestyle. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, it places you near top tech companies, start-ups, and innovation hubs. This city is clean, green, and buzzing with opportunity. From high-tech campuses to beachside weekends, you’ll enjoy both professional prospects and personal growth. With mild weather year-round and strong transport links to San Francisco and San Jose, San Mateo is a smart choice for international students seeking a balanced, forward-thinking environment.
Study abroad seamlessly
Download our brand-new app
Student life
Life in San Mateo as a student is both enriching and relaxed. You’ll spend weekdays immersed in tech talks and project work, and weekends exploring the coast, cycling trails, or popping into San Francisco for a concert or café crawl. The community is inclusive, with plenty of student-run organisations and cultural events. From co-working cafés to study spots under palm trees, your routine will feel fresh and flexible. While the area is a bit more expensive, you’ll find that the experience and access it offers are well worth it.
Avg. wage per hour
Max. allowed part-time hours
Cost of living
- Food: USD 400–600/month
- Rent: USD 800–1,400/month
- Household Bills: USD 150–250/month
- Transport: USD 90–130/month
- Miscellaneous: USD 150–300/month
Accommodation choices
- University accommodation
- Private halls
- Private/Studio apartments
- Co-living spaces
- Rental houses
Most opted part-time jobs
- Barista
- Tutor
- Office clerk
- Retail assistant
- Research assistant
Public transport
- Bus
- Train
- Metro
- Shared taxi
- Bike sharing
Edvoy Stays
Let’s help you find budget-friendly student housing in San Mateo
CULTURE
San Mateo’s culture reflects its tech-savvy, globally connected community. While rooted in Californian ease and environmental consciousness, it embraces a multicultural lifestyle. You’ll find tech meet-ups alongside yoga sessions, farmers’ markets next to art walks. Local life encourages innovation, wellness, and inclusion. For international students, the city offers a comfortable cultural landing, with lots of ways to connect—whether through language exchange, community projects, or food festivals celebrating diversity.
SAFETY
San Mateo is considered a safe and student-friendly city. Emergency services are efficient, and campuses have 24/7 security. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-urgent police matters, call (650) 522-7700. Students are advised to stay informed about neighbourhood safety apps and university security updates.
Discover the city
Set on the San Francisco Peninsula, San Mateo offers coastal beauty and cutting-edge innovation. Its walkable streets, modern amenities, and scenic parks create a high quality of life. Being in Silicon Valley means you’re surrounded by global tech leaders, yet San Mateo maintains a relaxed, community-oriented feel. The city’s compact size and excellent public transport make getting around easy. For students seeking career focus with lifestyle perks, this city delivers both.
Language
English
Currency
USD
Population
100K
Area
41 sq. km
Cities you may like
Frequently asked questions
Yes, San Mateo is an excellent choice for international students. It combines academic excellence with access to Silicon Valley’s top firms and start-ups. The city is clean, safe, and culturally diverse. You’ll enjoy a high quality of life, strong support services, and countless opportunities to connect with professionals and fellow students. The learning environment is modern and focused, making it a fantastic place to grow both personally and professionally.
San Mateo is more expensive than some U.S. cities, but it offers great value. Being near Silicon Valley means access to top-tier internships, events, and industry leaders. You can manage expenses by choosing shared housing, using student transport passes, and taking advantage of campus facilities. Part-time work opportunities also help cover costs. If you’re seeking high-quality education and real-world exposure, the investment pays off.
Definitely. San Mateo is known for its inclusive and progressive vibe. Locals are friendly, and student communities are active and supportive. Whether it’s attending a coding bootcamp, joining a community garden, or exploring food trucks with friends, you’ll find ways to feel at home. Campuses and city spaces are welcoming, and there’s always something to get involved in.
Yes, although competitive, student accommodation is available in and around San Mateo. You can choose from university halls, co-living spaces, or rental flats. Prices vary, but many students share spaces to cut costs. Transport options make it easy to live a little farther out without losing access to your university or city centre. Online platforms and university housing services are helpful when securing a place to stay.
