Home › Compare

Phoenix vs San Jose: which is cheaper?

Phoenix is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

I need $64,127 in San Jose to live the same way.

🏠 Rent per month
$1,893
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,729
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$87,717
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$420,700
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.3
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,850
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$181
$168
👥 People living there
1,642,323
990,138
Commute to work
25.6 min
27.3 min
College degree
33.6%
47.3%
Own their home
57.3%
55.8%
Below poverty line
13.7%
8.1%
Unemployment
5%
5.1%

Bottom line

Pay for the same job

JobPhoenixSan JoseDifference
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 Phoenix or San Jose cheaper to live in?

Phoenix is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,893 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.

What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Phoenix?

About $64,127 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.

Where do people earn more, Phoenix or San Jose?

The typical household earns $87,717 in Phoenix and $157,922 in San Jose, 44% more in San Jose.

More comparisons

All Phoenix comparisons → · All San Jose comparisons →

Phoenix vs PhiladelphiaPhoenix vs San AntonioPhoenix vs San DiegoPhoenix vs DallasPhoenix vs HoustonPhoenix vs ChicagoSan Jose vs AustinSan Jose vs JacksonvilleSan Jose vs Fort WorthSan Jose vs ColumbusSan Jose vs CharlotteSan Jose vs Indianapolis