Palo Alto, CA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Jose has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Palo Alto | San Jose | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 374 | 238 | San Jose |
| Housing | 574 ($2,330) | 341 ($1,832) | San Jose |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Palo Alto |
| Food & groceries | 295 ($1,210) | 190 ($779) | San Jose |
| Utilities | 337 ($1,033) | 221 ($614) | San Jose |
| Healthcare | 337 ($746) | 221 ($443) | San Jose |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palo Alto, CA or San Jose, CA cheaper to live in?
San Jose, CA is cheaper overall by about 136 index points (Palo Alto, CA: 374, San Jose, CA: 238; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Palo Alto, CA vs San Jose, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $130,900/year in Palo Alto, CA and $83,300/year in San Jose, CA to cover basic living costs.