Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
San Jose is 4% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $71,842 in San Jose.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Francisco has a housing index of 327 while San Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in San Francisco costs $1,200,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,400 in San Francisco versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: San Francisco scores 112 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in San Francisco (113) are higher than San Jose (112).
Median household income in San Francisco is $119,136 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Jose.
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