San Jose, CA vs South San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
South San Francisco has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Jose | South San Francisco | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 232 | South San Francisco |
| Housing | 341 ($1,832) | 333 ($1,983) | South San Francisco |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | South San Francisco |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 182 ($746) | South San Francisco |
| Utilities | 221 ($614) | 217 ($599) | South San Francisco |
| Healthcare | 221 ($443) | 217 ($433) | South San Francisco |
| 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 South San Francisco, CA cheaper to live in?
South San Francisco, CA is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (San Jose, CA: 238, South San Francisco, CA: 232; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA vs South San Francisco, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Jose, CA and $81,200/year in South San Francisco, CA to cover basic living costs.