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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

San Jose

California
254

Los Angeles is 26% cheaper than San Jose.

$1,879/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,617/mo ↑ 39%
$80,366/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$141,565/yr ↑ 76%
$879,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$1,187,800 ↑ 35%
$2,055/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,775/mo ↑ 35%
3,857,897
Population
990,054

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 254 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $61,199/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,187,800 in San Jose.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs San Jose — common questions

Is Los Angeles or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and San Jose?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in San Jose it's $2,617/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or San Jose?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $141,565 in San Jose. Median household income is $61,199/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or San Jose?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while San Jose has a cost index of 254 with rent of $2,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View San Jose details →

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