Bay Area decision guide · 2026

Burlingame vs. Daly City — which Bay Area city is the right pick?

Both Burlingame and Daly City attract serious Bay Area buyers, but for different reasons. Here\'s an honest side-by-side from a realtor who actually transacts in both.

Burlingame

Peninsula classic — walkable downtown, top schools, equidistant SF/SFO/Silicon Valley.

Median price
$2,650,000
$/sqft
$1205
Days on market
11
Walk score
71
Top school rating
10/10

Best for: Peninsula tech families, SF move-ups wanting Peninsula schools, Long-term family hold.

What it isn\'t: A bargain. Burlingame trades close to Palo Alto on $/sqft.

Full Burlingame profile

Daly City

The SF border — fog, hills, and the cheapest way to live with an SF address-feel.

Median price
$1,120,000
$/sqft
$800
Days on market
12
Walk score
70
Top school rating
6/10

Best for: SF commuters who can't afford SF, Asian-American community ties, First-time buyers.

What it isn\'t: Sunny. The Daly City fog is real — buyers acclimated to inland sun need to test-live before buying.

Full Daly City profile

Burlingame vs. Daly City — FAQ

Is Burlingame or Daly City more expensive?

Burlingame median is $2,650,000, vs. Daly City at $1,120,000 — a difference of 137%.

Does Burlingame or Daly City have better schools?

Burlingame top school: Washington Elementary (rating 10/10). Daly City top school: Daniel Webster Elementary (rating 6/10). Local school choice can drive a 10-15% home-price premium independent of city.

Which is better for first-time buyers, Burlingame or Daly City?

For first-time buyers, the lower median (Daly City at $1,120,000) reduces downpayment stress. Roger talks first-time buyers through both options in a free 30-minute call.

What's the day-on-market difference between Burlingame and Daly City?

Burlingame: 11 DOM. Daly City: 12 DOM. Faster DOM signals stronger buyer demand and tighter offer windows.

Should I live in Burlingame or Daly City?

Burlingame fits: Peninsula tech families, SF move-ups wanting Peninsula schools, Long-term family hold. Daly City fits: SF commuters who can't afford SF, Asian-American community ties, First-time buyers. The right answer is specific to your situation. Free 20-min call: (510) 504-0402.

What's Roger Grubb's take on Burlingame vs. Daly City?

Burlingame: Easton Addition has the consistent appreciation and walkability. North Burlingame is the value play. Burlingame Hills offers more land but a steeper commute. Daly City: Crocker (close to Colma) has the lowest prices. Westlake is the architectural calling card. Bayshore has waterfront-adjacent value.

Still deciding? Talk to someone who knows both.

Roger has closed transactions in both Burlingame and Daly City. One free 20-min call.