San Jose, CA vs San Mateo, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
San Jose has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Jose | San Mateo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 294 | San Jose |
| Housing | 341 ($1,832) | 449 ($2,155) | San Jose |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | San Mateo |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 204 ($836) | San Jose |
| Utilities | 221 ($614) | 275 ($808) | San Jose |
| Healthcare | 221 ($443) | 275 ($584) | 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 San Jose, CA or San Mateo, CA cheaper to live in?
San Jose, CA is cheaper overall by about 56 index points (San Jose, CA: 238, San Mateo, CA: 294; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA vs San Mateo, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Jose, CA and $102,900/year in San Mateo, CA to cover basic living costs.