salarySacramento is 4% 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
$2,152
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,950
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$94,176
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$506,300
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
106.7
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,842
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$127
$168
👥 People living there
528,706
990,138
Commute to work
25.3 min
27.3 min
College degree
37.1%
47.3%
Own their home
51.7%
55.8%
Below poverty line
13.9%
8.1%
Unemployment
6.6%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Sacramento 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 | Sacramento | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $78,630 | $141,960 | +81% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $178,540 | $301,320 | +69% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $65,210 | $107,560 | +65% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $94,080 | $152,100 | +62% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $139,640 | $213,110 | +53% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $161,470 | $223,640 | +39% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $118,460 | $163,860 | +38% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $172,010 | $231,560 | +35% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacramento or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Sacramento is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,152 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Sacramento?
About $62,111 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Sacramento or San Jose?
The typical household earns $94,176 in Sacramento and $157,922 in San Jose, 40% more in San Jose.