Cost of Living in San Jose, CA is
78.0% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in San Jose, CA increase in 2024? San Jose, CA area prices were up 2.9% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About San Jose, California    San Jose is located at 37°20′07″N 121°53′31″W / 37.335278°N 121.891944°W / 37.335278; -121.891944. According to the United States Census Bureau, th....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while California's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $16 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in San Jose, CA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living San Jose, CA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 45.1%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
+ 3.7%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-1.0%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 53.0%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
+ 4.2%

Cost of Living Comparison with San Jose, CA

If you move to San Jose from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
-8.5%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 32.8%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 62.6%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 65.6%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 24.9%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 1.0%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToSan Jose, CA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 71.0%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About San Jose, CA

San Jose is located at 37°20′07″N 121°53′31″W / 37.335278°N 121.891944°W / 37.335278; -121.891944. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 180.0 sq mi (466 km2), of which 3.4 sq mi (8.8 km2) (1.91%) is water, making it the fourth-largest California city by land area (after Los Angeles, San Diego and California City). San Jose lies between the San Andreas Fault, the source of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and the Calaveras Fault. San Jose is shaken by moderate earthquakes on average one or two times a year. These quakes originate just east of the city on...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in San Jose, CA

Will the cost of food in San Jose, California impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Walmart or Costco to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in San Jose, CA. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near San Jose, CA?

I love hockey. In San Jose, California I go to a lot of San Jose Sharks games. The tickets are expensive and add to my entertainment expenses, increasing my cost of living, but it is worth it! It is so much fun to see my favorite team in person. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in San Jose, CA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I need to understand how to budget for energy, is the cost electricity going up or down in San Jose, California?

The cost of electricity in California has gone up by 2.63% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in San Jose,CA?

In San Jose,CA, the median rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $2091, and for a 2 bedroom apartment is $2621. In general, in the past year, rental costs in San Jose have increased by approximately 3.8%. Since rental expense makes up a significant part of the cost of living, you should consider this expense and how it might change when you calculate your cost of living in a new city. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I know there are many types of taxes that contribute to the cost of living in San Jose, California, will the overall tax expense be high or low?

Good question. Based on Individual income taxes (which you will pay on earnings), Sales taxes (pay for your purchases), property taxes (on your home or indirectly on your rent), unemployment insurance taxes (from your income), and general business taxes (impacting employers ability to offer jobs and good pay), in San Jose, the overall tax climate compared to the rest of the country is the second highest. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How difficult is it to drive in San Jose, California?

If you are planning to drive to work, you will be spending a lot of time and gas to get there. San Jose, California is one of the Worst cities in the United States for driving. San Jose, California is ranked number 88 out of 100 major cities. Plan on spending more on gas and auto expenses if you move to San Jose, California, resulting in a higher cost of living. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What is the average commute time in San Jose, California?

In San Jose, CA, the average commute time is about 34.42 minutes. This can vary depending on the time of day, day of week, and the weather and road conditions. If the weather is bad, commute time can double! You should factor this commuting time into your overall cost of living, since your time has value. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Cost of living in San Jose, California is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in San Jose is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, San Jose is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in San Jose, California. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in San Jose, California?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in San Jose, CA is around $70.00. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-02-26