Cost of Living: New York vs San Jose (2026)

New York vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 2% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $98,099 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 2% less expensive than New York overall — $100,000 in New York is worth about $98,099 in San Jose.

New York vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricNew YorkSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)113110-2%
Median rent$1,779$2,617+47%
Median home value$751,700$1,187,800+58%
Median household income$79,713$141,565+78%

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 New York has the same buying power as about $98,099 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $101,938 in New York.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between New York and San Jose.

Compare any salary: New York vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 110 — a 2% difference. Your money goes further in San Jose.

About $98,099 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York.