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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

San Jose is 129% more expensive than Eugene.

$2,617/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 49%
$141,565/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 55%
$1,187,800 ↑ 173%
Home Value
$435,400 ↓ 63%
$2,775/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 49%
990,054
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,270/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $15,240/year.

Median household income is $77,729/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Eugene slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Eugene — common questions

Is San Jose or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Eugene?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $1,270/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Eugene?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $77,729/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to San Jose or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View Eugene details →

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