salarySan Jose is 3% 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
$3,405
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$3,344
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$147,451
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$1,191,500
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
113.6
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$9,543
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$168
👥 People living there
311,690
990,138
Commute to work
24.7 min
27.3 min
College degree
70.6%
47.3%
Own their home
44.5%
55.8%
Below poverty line
10.8%
8.1%
Unemployment
5.9%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Irvine for cheaper homes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick San Jose for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Irvine | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $82,990 | $141,960 | +71% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $135,560 | $216,740 | +60% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $98,050 | $152,100 | +55% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $194,410 | $301,320 | +55% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $71,110 | $107,560 | +51% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $161,470 | $231,560 | +43% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $161,890 | $223,640 | +38% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $160,920 | $213,110 | +32% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Irvine or San Jose cheaper to live in?
San Jose is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,046 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Irvine?
About $58,339 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Irvine or San Jose?
The typical household earns $147,451 in Irvine and $157,922 in San Jose, 7% more in San Jose.