San Jose, CA vs Watsonville, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Watsonville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | San Jose | Watsonville | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 238 | 146 | Watsonville |
| Housing | 341 ($1,832) | 189 ($1,249) | Watsonville |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | San Jose |
| Food & groceries | 190 ($779) | 100 ($410) | Watsonville |
| Utilities | 221 ($614) | 145 ($340) | Watsonville |
| Healthcare | 221 ($443) | 145 ($246) | Watsonville |
| 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 Watsonville, CA cheaper to live in?
Watsonville, CA is cheaper overall by about 92 index points (San Jose, CA: 238, Watsonville, CA: 146; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA vs Watsonville, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $83,300/year in San Jose, CA and $51,100/year in Watsonville, CA to cover basic living costs.