Daly City: The Data Profile (2026)

Daly City presents a high-stakes, high-reward relocation scenario for the post-remote workforce. With a population of 99,838, it functions as a dense, strategic satellite for the Bay Area economic core. The median income sits at $104,079, a robust 39.6% premium over the US median of $74,580. However, this income elevation is strictly mandated by a Cost of Living (COL) index where housing commands a staggering +45.0% premium over the national average.

The demographic profile is highly educated, with 38.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target for Daly City is the "Hybrid Professional": an individual earning $100k+ who requires proximity to San Francisco or Silicon Valley but cannot justify the $4,000+ rents of the city center. This is a commuter belt city; lifestyle here is dictated by the 101 and I-280 corridors.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial burden in Daly City is driven by energy and service costs. Electricity costs are a critical outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh, nearly double the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. While groceries are only +4.7% more expensive, the aggregate impact on disposable income is severe.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

*Utilities index estimated based on 31.97¢/kWh electricity rate.

Disposable Income Analysis:
To maintain a "30% Rule" on housing (spending 30% of gross income on rent), a single renter needs a gross annual income of $88,000. However, to live comfortably with the high utility and transport costs, a target income of $120,000 is statistically necessary. For a family, the threshold exceeds $200,000.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is decoupled from the national average. Buying is historically difficult due to the "Bay Area floor," while renting offers slightly more flexibility but at a premium. The Price-to-Rent ratio heavily favors renting in the short-to-medium term.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $1,150,000 and a median rent of $2,600 (1BR), the Price-to-Rent ratio is approximately 36.8 (using the $1.15M price and $3,100 avg rent). A ratio above 21 strongly indicates that buying is a poor financial decision compared to renting. Unless you plan to stay 10+ years or the property appreciates at >7% annually, renting is the data-backed choice.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Daly City's economy is inextricably linked to San Francisco. Post-remote work stabilization has solidified a "Hub and Spoke" model. The unemployment rate is a concern at 5.5%, significantly higher than the US average of 4.0%. This suggests a localized labor market lag, likely affecting service and retail sectors, while tech professionals remain insulated.

RTO & Commute:
For those hybrid-remote workers required in SF or the Peninsula 2-3 days a week, the commute is manageable but costly. Average commute times hover around 32 minutes. The critical metric here is the $6.00+ Golden Gate Bridge toll and bridge congestion pricing, which can add $120+ monthly per commuter.

Quality of Life Audit

Daly City offers a paradox: excellent air quality and health outcomes, offset by high unemployment and specific health risks. The "Little San Francisco" moniker holds true for weather, often experiencing the marine layer (fog) that keeps temperatures at a crisp 48.0°F average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Daly City is statistically safer than the US average. Violent Crime is 234 per 100k (US: 380), marking a 38% reduction. Property Crime is 1890 per 100k, roughly average but trending slightly better than the national comparison.

Air Quality & Schools:
With an AQI of 27 and PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³, Daly City boasts some of the cleanest air in the nation, driven by constant ocean breezes. School ratings in the Jefferson Union High School District generally range from 6/10 to 8/10, solid but not elite compared to neighboring districts like San Mateo.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality: AQI 27 is a massive health asset.
• Safety: Violent crime is 38% lower than the national average.
• Income Potential: Median income is $104,079, facilitating high earning potential for skilled workers.
• Proximity: Best-in-class access to SF and Peninsula job hubs without the SF price tag.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: Median home price of $1,150,000 is prohibitive for most.
• Electricity: At 31.97¢/kWh, utilities are a budget killer.
• Unemployment: The 5.5% rate indicates a thinner local job market for non-commuters.
• Diabetes: The rate of 12.0% is higher than the US average, a statistical anomaly worth monitoring.

Recommendation:
Relocating to Daly City is recommended for hybrid professionals with a household income exceeding $120,000. It is not recommended for remote-only workers who are not tethered to the Bay Area, as the cost of living does not provide a sufficient quality-of-life return compared to cheaper metros.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum salary required to live comfortably in Daly City?
For a single person renting a 1-bedroom apartment, a gross annual income of $100,000 is the minimum threshold. To build savings, $120,000 is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Oakland or San Jose?
Daly City offers a -15% discount on rent compared to San Jose, but a +10% premium compared to Oakland. It wins on safety metrics versus both.

3. Is Daly City safe for families?
Yes. With a Violent Crime rate of 234/100k (vs 380/100k US average), it is statistically one of the safer options in the Bay Area.

4. When is the best time to move to secure housing?
Q3 (July-September). Inventory is highest, but competition is fierce. Moving in Q4 (November-January) can yield 5-8% lower rental rates due to low demand and foggy weather.