Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Boulder is 19% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $60,989 in Boulder.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while San Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $550,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are lower than San Jose (112).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boulder.
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