Cost of Living in San Jose, CA
Population 990,054 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in San Jose sits 289% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $141,565 (90% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in San Jose
The median home value in San Jose is $1,187,800 — 289% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,617/month, 99% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,565/year is 90% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, San Jose has a cost of living index of 313 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 213% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA?
San Jose has a cost index of 313 (100 = national average). It is 213% above the national average.
What is average rent in San Jose, CA?
The median gross rent in San Jose is $2,617 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in San Jose?
The median home value in San Jose is $1,187,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in San Jose?
The median household income in San Jose is $141,565 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in San Jose, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in San Jose is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is San Jose, CA affordable?
San Jose is above average in cost of living, with an index of 313 — about 213% higher than the national average.
San Jose at a Glance
- Population
- 990,054
- Median Income
- $141,565
- Home Value
- $1,187,800
- Median Rent
- $2,617/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
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