Daly City is where the Bay Area begins, just south of San Francisco, and is full of opportunity for rental property owners. It is of great appeal to renters and owners alike because it has the shore on one side, a large employment base, excellent investment opportunities, and much more. It does have a thriving real estate market, but that on its own comes with great responsibilities which include being receptive to renter’s opinions and requirements, understanding and following the strict property laws, and finally, recognizing and meeting the high expectations of the tenants.
That’s where we come in. At Tenant Planet, we manage the details so you don’t have to. With over nine years of experience and over 1,500 units under our care, our Daly City property management team helps landlords increase returns while staying hands-off. Whether it’s a single-family home near Westlake or a condo steps from BART, we’ve got it covered.
Daly City is the most populous city in San Mateo County, with more than 102,000 people. Also called the “Gateway to the Peninsula,” it runs from the Pacific Ocean to just short of the Bay and lies directly in the south of San Francisco, eight miles away from the downtown area and just a few minutes from the SFO. Due to its geographical position and diverse yet thriving economy, Daly City continues to develop as a center of healthcare, retail, small business, and commuting professionals.
Last calculated in 2023, it is reported that Daly CIty has approximately 52,000 people in its workforce, many of which travel from Daly City to San Francisco or South San Francisco every day for their jobs.
The median household income of Daly City is estimated to be $90,000 while the per capita income was calculated in 2022 to be $48,219 placing the city in the “upper-middle-income” category. 12.8% of the labor force does remote work, hence proving that Daly City has not been left behind in the march toward modernity and technological advancements.
Daly City is also the most ethnically diverse city in the state, with more than 50% immigrant population. It is composed of Asian (50%), White, Hispanic or Latino (21.5%) ethnic groups. The city has a vibrant community with Filipino, Chinese, and Hispanic groups integrated well into the social fabric. The most commonly spoken languages are primarily English, Chinese, and Tagalog.
With 38% of its adults boasting a bachelor’s or higher degree, Daly City is also well-educated and mobile. Daly City is often not the default, rather an intentional choice for people to live in because it has an admirable working culture for professionals, a good real estate market for landowners and renters, and good educational institutions for aspiring students.
he climate of Daly City is arid sub-tropical, with very mild, relatively rainy winters and warm, sunny summers.
Westlake Shopping Center
One of the first malls in the country, now home to major retailers, local boutiques, and casual dining
Cow Palace Arena & Event Center
A historic venue for concerts, shows, and cultural events
Thornton Beach State Park
Perfect for hikes, ocean views, and a peaceful escape from city noise
Pacifica Beaches
Just a quick drive away, perfect for surfing, sunset walks, or weekend relaxation
Mission Street Corridor
Packed with authentic eateries, family-owned markets, and international cuisines
Local Golf & Recreation
Daly City has easy access to nearby golf courses and recreation centers
BART Access
Direct connections to San Francisco, SFO, and other parts of the Bay make exploring easy for residents and visitors alike
The climate of Daly City is arid sub-tropical, with very mild, relatively rainy winters and warm, sunny summers.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 57°F | 56°F | 56°F | 58°F | 60°F | 62°F | 64°F | 64°F | 65°F | 69°F | 58°F | 56°F |
| Avg | 52°F | 51°F | 52°F | 53°F | 55°F | 56°F | 59°F | 58°F | 59°F | 60°F | 53°F | 51°F |
| Low | 48°F | 47°F | 49°F | 48°F | 50°F | 52°F | 54°F | 54°F | 54°F | 54°F | 48°F | 46°F |
| High | Avg | Low | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 52°F | 48°F |
| Feb | 56°F | 51°F | 47°F |
| Mar | 56°F | 52°F | 49°F |
| Apr | 58°F | 53°F | 48°F |
| May | 60°F | 55°F | 50°F |
| Jun | 62°F | 56°F | 52°F |
| Jul | 64°F | 59°F | 54°F |
| Aug | 64°F | 58°F | 54°F |
| Sept | 65°F | 59°F | 54°F |
| Oct | 69°F | 60°F | 54°F |
| Nov | 58°F | 53°F | 48°F |
| Dec | 56°F | 51°F | 46°F |
This table shows Daly City’s average temperature by month.
Daly City is divided into several neighbourhoods which are further divided/classified by their respective ZIP codes. Some are given below:
Get a Free Rental Analysis
Daly City serves as the “gateway to the Peninsula,” offering investors a strong blend of stability and demand. Home prices are incredibly high in California and the rest of the country, with a tight rental market that is continuously fueled by accessibility to urban employment and coastal scenery. Although property costs in Daly City are steep, the city’s housing stock ranges from old homes to new apartments, offering landlords with various investment objectives and goals.
The market is remarkably competitive, with Redfin giving it a score of 93/100; homes average around $1.25 million and typically sell 13.6% higher than a year ago. With high turnover and strong appreciation trends, Daly City is a standout choice for long-term investors.
Daly City home values have shown steady year-over-year growth. Zillow reports the average property value at $1,144,080, a +2.4% increase for the year. Redfin notes median listing prices are now $1.25 million, up 13.6% since last year. With a highly competitive market score and fast turnover, Daly City continues to deliver reliable equity gains for investors.
Average rent for an apartment in Daly City lies in between $2,300 and $2,700. The steepness of the rent depends on the size of the apartment, where it is located, what amenities it has and more.
| Property Type | Average Rent | Average Size (Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment 1 BR | $2,351/month | 610 Sq Ft |
| House 2 BR | $3,616/month | 1,023 Sq Ft |
| Condo 2 BR | $3,265/month | 880 Sq Ft |
| Unit Size | Average Rent | Average Size (Sq Ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,074/month | 437 Sq Ft |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,351/month | 610 Sq Ft |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,146/month | 831 Sq Ft |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,934/month | 1,135 Sq Ft |
Please note that these figures are averages, and rental prices can vary based on location, property condition, and market demand.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | Average Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Merced | $2,567/month | 641 Sq Ft |
| St Francis | $2,571/month | 735 Sq Ft |
| Broadmoor | $2,578/month | 678 Sq Ft |
| Neighborhood | Average Rent | Average Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Serramonte | $2,662/month | 681 Sq Ft |
| Daly City/Brisbane | $2,657/month | 763 Sq Ft |
| Broadmoor | $2,578/month | 678 Sq Ft |
| Westlake | $2,578/month | 678 Sq Ft |
A person living in Daly City would need around $3,190 every month, which would typically include rent and basic amenities, while a family of four would require $7,291 monthly. This places Daly City in the top 1% of most expensive global cities.
Daly City doesn’t have local rent control, so rent increases are governed solely by California’s statewide law (AB 1482). This caps annual rent hikes at CPI + 5% with a 10% max, applies to most older rental units, and requires “just cause” for evictions
Absolutely. Daly City is a wonderful place to live because it is located in a beneficial region. Being on San Francisco’s border, it has access to BART and the freeway, making it easy and financially friendly for people who have a longer commute to their jobs. This invites more renters to the area. Daly City also has a strong economy, good educational institutions, and secure, family-friendly neighbourhoods. As discussed above, the living costs are a little higher than usual, but they more than make up for it with the added benefits. Plus, the average household income is around $105,374, making it easy to afford life here.
From marketing and tenant screening to repairs and financial reporting, Tenant Planet takes care of every detail, so you don’t have to. Let’s turn your rental into a hands-off investment.
Thank you for your submission. We’ve received your information and will proceed it shortly. You’ll receive confirmation email or call within next few minutes.
Thank you for your submission. We’ve received your information and will proceed it shortly. You’ll receive confirmation email or call within next few minutes.
