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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs San Jose, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

10.3% San Jose, CA is more expensive overall
20.8% 20.8% more expensive housing
1.8% 1.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.8% more
Los Angeles
178
San Jose
215
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Los Angeles
110
San Jose
112
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
San Jose
120
🏥 Healthcare 3.6% more
Los Angeles
112
San Jose
116
⚡ Utilities 4.8% more
Los Angeles
105
San Jose
110

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA San Jose, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index13615010.3% more
Housing17821520.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$2,80012.0% more
Median Home Price$880,000$1,350,00053.4% more
Groceries110112~Same
Transportation1251204.0% less
Healthcare1121163.6% more
Utilities1051104.8% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA San Jose, CA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
San Jose, CA
$140,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in San Jose outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in San Jose to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs San Jose (150). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
San Jose3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
San Jose3.5%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
San Jose29 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
San Jose50
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
San Jose40
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
San Jose60°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
San Jose983,489

Moving from Los Angeles to San Jose?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and San Jose → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in San Jose →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or San Jose cheaper to live in?+
Los Angeles is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs San Jose?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $2,800/month in San Jose — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or San Jose?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to San Jose?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $140,000 in San Jose. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs San Jose?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $1,350,000 in San Jose — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while California averages 0.71%.