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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

21.0% San Jose, CA is more expensive overall
37.8% 37.8% more expensive housing
3.7% 3.7% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.8% more
Seattle
156
San Jose
215
🛒 Groceries 3.7% more
Seattle
108
San Jose
112
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Seattle
118
San Jose
120
🏥 Healthcare 5.5% more
Seattle
110
San Jose
116
⚡ Utilities 20.9% more
Seattle
91
San Jose
110

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA San Jose, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index12415021.0% more
Housing15621537.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$2,80036.6% more
Median Home Price$780,000$1,350,00073.1% more
Groceries1081123.7% more
Transportation118120~Same
Healthcare1101165.5% more
Utilities9111020.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA San Jose, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs San Jose (150). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
San Jose3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
San Jose3.5%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
San Jose29 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
San Jose50
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
San Jose40
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
San Jose60°F
Population
Seattle749,256
San Jose983,489

Moving from Seattle to San Jose?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle or San Jose cheaper to live in?+
Seattle is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 37.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs San Jose?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $2,800/month in San Jose — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or San Jose?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to San Jose?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs San Jose?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $1,350,000 in San Jose — a difference of $570,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while California averages 0.71%.