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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

San Jose is 189% more expensive than Hampton.

$2,617/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 49%
$141,565/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 52%
$1,187,800 ↑ 407%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 80%
$2,775/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 51%
990,054
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,271/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $15,252/year.

Median household income is $73,807/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Hampton — common questions

Is San Jose or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Hampton?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $1,271/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Hampton?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $73,807/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Jose or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Hampton

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 Hampton vs. West Valley City Hampton vs. Cedar Rapids Hampton vs. Columbia Hampton vs. Dayton Hampton vs. Warren Hampton vs. Pasadena