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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Anaheim

California
182

San Jose is 40% more expensive than Anaheim.

$2,617/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↓ 20%
$141,565/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↓ 36%
$1,187,800 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$771,700 ↓ 35%
$2,775/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↓ 22%
990,054
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $50,982/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Anaheim — common questions

Is San Jose or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Anaheim?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Anaheim?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $50,982/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 San Jose or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Anaheim

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Anaheim vs. Honolulu Anaheim vs. Henderson Anaheim vs. Cleveland Anaheim vs. Lexington Anaheim vs. New Orleans Anaheim vs. Stockton