salaryHouston is 12% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,533
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$168
👥 People living there
2,328,253
990,138
Commute to work
27.2 min
27.3 min
College degree
36.6%
47.3%
Own their home
42.1%
55.8%
Below poverty line
19.9%
8.1%
Unemployment
6.9%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Houston | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $152,100 | +157% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $216,740 | +117% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,370 | $141,960 | +111% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $157,980 | $301,320 | +91% in San Jose |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $41,920 | +90% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $136,140 | +83% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $61,300 | $107,560 | +75% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,560 | $231,560 | +72% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $67,175 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Houston or San Jose?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $157,922 in San Jose, 56% more in San Jose.