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. Since 2016, with 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 in Daly City is $123,547 and per capita income is $50,863 (2024 dollars, ACS 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau), 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.
About half of Daly City residents (49.7%) were born outside the U.S. (ACS 2020-2024). 59.7% of residents are Asian alone and 20.5% are Hispanic or Latino (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). 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 38.9% of adults aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (ACS 2020-2024), 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.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Daly City).
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:
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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 median value of an owner-occupied home in Daly City is $1,115,000 (ACS 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau).
Median gross rent in Daly City is $2,551 (ACS 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau), about 81% above the U.S. median of $1,413. HUD’s FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the San Francisco area is $3,003 for a 1-bedroom and $3,697 for a 2-bedroom. The steepness of the rent depends on the size of the apartment, where it is located, what amenities it has and more.
Source: HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents.
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. For increases effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, the maximum is 8.8% in the San Francisco area (California Attorney General). The law 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 median household income is $123,547 (ACS 2020-2024), 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.
