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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

San Jose is 346% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,617/mo ↑ 176%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 64%
$141,565/yr ↑ 171%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 63%
$1,187,800 ↑ 820%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 89%
$2,775/mo ↑ 202%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 67%
990,054
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,668/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $20,016/year.

Median household income is $89,314/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Evansville — common questions

Is San Jose or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Evansville?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,668/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Evansville?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $89,314/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to San Jose or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Evansville

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 Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow