Cost of Living: San Jose, CA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

San Jose

California
254
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

San Jose is 125% more expensive than Port St. Lucie.

$2,617/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↓ 32%
$141,565/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 45%
$1,187,800 ↑ 262%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 72%
$2,775/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 46%
990,054
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $836/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $10,032/year.

Median household income is $63,428/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is San Jose or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $836/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $63,428/year higher in San Jose.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Jose or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Jose details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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