Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs San Jose (2026)

Los Angeles vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 3% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $97,232 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 3% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $97,232 in San Jose.

Los Angeles vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricLos AngelesSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)114110-3%
Median rent$1,879$2,617+39%
Median home value$879,500$1,187,800+35%
Median household income$80,366$141,565+76%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Los Angeles has the same buying power as about $97,232 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $102,846 in Los Angeles.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Los Angeles and San Jose.

Compare any salary: Los Angeles vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 110 — a 3% difference. Your money goes further in San Jose.

About $97,232 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles.