San Jose, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Santa Cruz has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Jose | Santa Cruz | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 230 | Santa Cruz |
| Housing | 341 ($1,832) | 339 ($1,611) | Santa Cruz |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | San Jose |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 149 ($611) | Santa Cruz |
| Utilities | 221 ($614) | 220 ($610) | Santa Cruz |
| Healthcare | 221 ($443) | 220 ($441) | Santa Cruz |
| 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 Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Santa Cruz, CA is cheaper overall by about 8 index points (San Jose, CA: 238, Santa Cruz, CA: 230; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Jose, CA and $80,500/year in Santa Cruz, CA to cover basic living costs.