Cost of living in San Jose

San Jose is an expensive place to live, with the overall cost of living about 50 percent higher than the national average. That said, most residents say it’s well worth the price for the gorgeous weather, safe neighbourhoods and endless activities the city offers.

Cost of accommodation in San Jose

Accommodation is incredibly expensive in San Jose, as are utilities. Attracted by Silicon Valley, the city’s population is growing, causing the demand for housing to increase and prices to skyrocket.

New arrivals in San Jose should be prepared to pay sky-high prices for accommodation throughout the city. If budget is a concern for you, be sure to pick your neighbourhood wisely, as some are more affordable than others

Renting Accommodation in San Jose
Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose

Cost of transport in San Jose

Although San Jose has an extensive public transport system that will get new arrivals anywhere they need to go in the city, fares are fairly expensive. Owning a car is also pricey in San Jose when taking all costs into account, including the price of purchase, fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Parking is also costly in the city, and in some cases, it may actually be cheaper to use Uber instead of driving and paying for parking for an entire day. Budget-conscious new arrivals can also cycle to work in San Jose. This will not only be gentle on your pockets but also has health benefits.

Public Transport and Driving in San Jose

Cost of entertainment and eating out in San Jose

While there are plenty of fine dining restaurants that charge a fortune for a meal in San Jose, it is possible to eat out on a budget if you know where to go. Some restaurants in San Jose tend to offer prices similar to or even somewhat lower than many major global cities. There are also tons of different types of food on offer, with some restaurants being more budget-friendly than others.

There are plenty of opportunities to spend money at San Jose’s malls and eclectic nightlife spots, but there are also humble live music bars, clubs, museums, and comedy venues for new arrivals from all walks of life to enjoy. As a city in the beautiful sunny State of California, San Jose’s lifestyle prioritises outdoor activities, which are often free or low cost.

Shopping, Entertainment, and Outdoor Activities in San Jose

Cost of groceries in San Jose

The cost of groceries in San Jose is quite high. You can reduce your monthly grocery bills by buying in bulk, shopping at budget supermarkets, and only purchasing produce that is in season.

If you’re willing to spend more in exchange for a wider product selection, try high-end grocery shops such as Whole Foods, Draeger’s Market and Heartland. These shops typically sell organic and speciality goods at a premium.

Cost of healthcare in San Jose

While the standard of healthcare in San Jose is high, it’s expensive to access. If your healthcare needs aren’t taken care of by your employer, you’ll likely need to secure comprehensive health insurance.

The cost of health insurance will vary between individuals based on age, existing medical conditions and lifestyle habits.

Hospitals and Health Insurance in San Jose

Cost of education in San Jose

Public education in the city is free for all to attend, but admission is based on catchment areas. The better-resourced and staffed public schools in the city are located in the upmarket suburbs, so parents looking at this option may have to secure accommodation in these areas.

There are also private and international schools available. Private schools typically have a religious affiliation and their own curriculum and set of admission requirements. Similar to private schools, international schools teach foreign curricula and have excellent facilities, but this comes at a high cost. Parents opting to send their children to private or international schools should budget for the fees, uniforms, excursions and extracurricular activities.

Education and Schools in San Jose