San Jose, CA vs Santa Clara, 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 | Santa Clara | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 295 | San Jose |
| Housing | 341 ($1,832) | 439 ($2,090) | San Jose |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 233 ($955) | San Jose |
| Utilities | 221 ($614) | 270 ($790) | San Jose |
| Healthcare | 221 ($443) | 270 ($571) | 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 Santa Clara, CA cheaper to live in?
San Jose, CA is cheaper overall by about 57 index points (San Jose, CA: 238, Santa Clara, CA: 295; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA vs Santa Clara, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Jose, CA and $103,250/year in Santa Clara, CA to cover basic living costs.