salaryMemphis is 20% 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
$1,399
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,194
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$55,797
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$169,000
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
92.2
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,845
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$223
$168
👥 People living there
618,980
990,138
Commute to work
21.1 min
27.3 min
College degree
28%
47.3%
Own their home
44.9%
55.8%
Below poverty line
23.1%
8.1%
Unemployment
8.3%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Memphis 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 | Memphis | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,500 | $216,740 | +166% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $62,910 | $152,100 | +142% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $134,440 | $301,320 | +124% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $71,600 | $141,960 | +98% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,600 | $231,560 | +86% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $121,900 | $223,640 | +83% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $58,690 | $107,560 | +83% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $75,410 | $136,140 | +81% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Memphis or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Memphis is about 20% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,399 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Memphis?
About $71,875 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Memphis or San Jose?
The typical household earns $55,797 in Memphis and $157,922 in San Jose, 65% more in San Jose.