Cost of Living: San Jose, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

San Jose

California
254
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

San Jose is 248% more expensive than High Point.

$2,617/mo ↑ 146%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 59%
$141,565/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 57%
$1,187,800 ↑ 459%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 82%
$2,775/mo ↑ 156%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 61%
990,054
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,555/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $18,660/year.

Median household income is $80,337/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs High Point — common questions

Is San Jose or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and High Point?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,555/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or High Point?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $80,337/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Jose or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and High Point

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 High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles