Cost of living in San Jose

San Jose is an expensive place to live, with the overall cost of living sitting at around 49 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.

Therefore, new arrivals in San Jose should be prepared to pay sky-high prices for accommodation throughout the city. That said, there are neighbourhoods that, while they may not be considered cheap, are more affordable than others.

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 relatively expensive. Owning a car is also expensive in San Jose if all the costs involved, such as fuel, insurance and maintenance, are taken into account. 

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 also have the option of cycling to work in San Jose. This will not only be gentle on their pockets but will also lead to many health benefits.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in San Jose

While new arrivals will certainly find fine dining restaurants that charge a fortune for a meal in San Jose, eating out is something that can be done on a budget. 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 usually cost little to no fees. 

Cost of groceries in San Jose

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

Newcomers who can stretch their budgets and are looking for a wider product selection can look at high-end grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Draeger's Market and Heartland. These stores typically sell organic and speciality goods at a premium. 

Cost of healthcare in San Jose

While the standard of healthcare in San Jose is exceptional, it's expensive to access. New arrivals who do not have their healthcare taken care of by their employers will 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. Generally, the older one is, the pricier the medical insurance policy will be. 

Cost of education in San Jose

Public education in San Jose 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 often teach globally recognised 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. 

Cost of living in the USA chart

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for San Jose in March 2024.