What is the cost of living in San Jose?

The cost of living in San Jose is 13.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 86.2). Groceries are 10.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 10.2% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 3,086 per month. Local purchasing power index is 149.6 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 CA, United States · #5 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to San Jose?

Q: Should I move to San Jose?

San Jose, CA, United States has a cost of living 13.8% cheaper than New York City (index: 86.2). It is ranked #5 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 149.6 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

13.8% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-13.8%

vs NYC

USD 3,086

1-BR, city centre

149.6

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to San Jose?

Cost breakdown: San Jose

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

86.2 Very expensive

Rent

67.1 Moderate

Groceries

89.5 Above average

Restaurants

89.8 Above average

Purchasing Power

149.6 Very strong

Rent in San Jose

1-BR, city centre USD 3,086/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 2,630/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 4,788/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 4,109/mo

Save by going outside centre 15% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 San Francisco

CA, United States

CoL index 84.1

Compare San Francisco vs San Jose →

🇺🇸 San Diego

CA, United States

CoL index 79.3

Compare San Diego vs San Jose →

🇺🇸 Los Angeles

CA, United States

CoL index 75.5

Compare Los Angeles vs San Jose →

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