Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Los Angeles is 9% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $68,407 in Los Angeles.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while San Jose sits at 308 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $1,300,000 in San Jose, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $3,100 in San Jose.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while San Jose scores 110.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than San Jose (112).
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $117,324 in San Jose. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Los Angeles.
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