salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$3,011
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$168
👥 People living there
1,389,526
990,138
Commute to work
23.5 min
27.3 min
College degree
51%
47.3%
Own their home
47.3%
55.8%
Below poverty line
11%
8.1%
Unemployment
6%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, less poverty, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $70,900 | $152,100 | +115% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $79,440 | $141,960 | +79% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $301,320 | +69% in San Jose |
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $216,740 | +55% in San Jose |
| Plumber | $72,510 | $107,560 | +48% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $163,860 | $231,560 | +41% in San Jose |
| Operations Manager | $119,600 | $163,860 | +37% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $165,160 | $223,640 | +35% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or San Jose cheaper to live in?
San Diego and San Jose cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $59,215 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or San Jose?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $157,922 in San Jose, 26% more in San Jose.