salaryMesa is 7% 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
$1,826
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,712
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$89,248
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$408,000
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,604
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$168
$168
👥 People living there
511,764
990,138
Commute to work
24.7 min
27.3 min
College degree
32.5%
47.3%
Own their home
64.4%
55.8%
Below poverty line
10.3%
8.1%
Unemployment
4.2%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Mesa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Mesa | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $152,100 | +146% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $135,670 | $301,320 | +122% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $100,830 | $216,740 | +115% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $74,590 | $141,960 | +90% in San Jose |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,180 | $102,860 | +74% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,270 | $231,560 | +70% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $63,750 | $107,560 | +69% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $98,610 | $163,860 | +66% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Mesa is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,826 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Mesa?
About $64,127 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Mesa or San Jose?
The typical household earns $89,248 in Mesa and $157,922 in San Jose, 43% more in San Jose.