CaliforniaPop. 990,138Large cities
Is San Jose a Good Place to Live? San Jose, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
San Jose ranks #416 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 37 large cities and #40 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($146,427, #1 of 37) and low poverty (8.1%, #1 of 37), and trails on high rents ($2,669/mo, #37 of 37) and expensive homes ($1,233,200, #36 of 37).
San Jose by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with San Jose's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in San Jose?
San Jose's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,669/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,362,808, 78% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | San Jose | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 110.4#1104 of 1,308 | 110.7 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $1,362,808#1153 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,563/mo#1089 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $1,233,200#1278 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $2,669/mo#1264 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 8.4x#1232 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 21.9%#669 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
San Jose housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. San Jose is in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro.
California housing market →Is San Jose safe?
San Jose recorded 505 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 17% above California's 433. That ranks #848 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #10 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Jose Police Department. Property crime runs 2,403 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | San Jose | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 505#848 of 1,085 | 433 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,403#837 of 1,085 | 1,792 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in San Jose?
The median household in San Jose earns $146,427, 76% above the US figure of $83,163 and 46% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | San Jose | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $146,427#48 of 1,312 | $100,149 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 8.1%#337 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | -0% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in San Jose?
The median resident of San Jose is 38.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | San Jose | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 38.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 47.3%#315 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 55.8% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are San Jose's schools and health?
San Jose's 213 public schools graduate 88.5% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $18,070 spent per pupil. 23.7% of adults are obese and 11.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | San Jose | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 88.5%#504 of 1,063 | 87% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 22.2#1038 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $18,070#337 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 23.7%#94 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.1%#639 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 9.1%#536 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 123,683 students are enrolled in San Jose's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in San Jose?
The average commute in San Jose is 27.3 minutes (California 29.7); 2.4% of workers take transit and 20.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index San Jose scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.1°F and winters 52°F, with 16.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | San Jose | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 27.3 min#955 of 1,312 | 29.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 7.4%#864 of 1,312 | 12.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 62.9% | 67.3% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.4% | 3.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.8% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 20.3% | 14.1% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59 | 43.3 | 3 |
| Feb | 62.8 | 45.4 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 66.4 | 47.6 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 70 | 49.8 | 1.2 |
| May | 74.9 | 53.3 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 80.1 | 57 | 0.2 |
| Jul | 82.2 | 59.1 | 0 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 59.8 | 0 |
| Sep | 81.4 | 58.2 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 74.6 | 53.8 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 65 | 47.2 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 58.8 | 42.8 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Jose.
| Measure | San Jose | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 61.5°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 70.1°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 52°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 16.1 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at San Jose.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in San Jose?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | San Jose | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.41%#1234 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Santa Clara County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Santa Clara County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.2% | 100% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.17% | 93% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0016% | 60% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does San Jose compare with similar-size cities?
San Jose is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #4 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 990,138.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #416 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 | 27.3 min |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #496 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 | 23.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does San Jose compare with the rest of California?
San Jose ranks #40 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.7 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 46% above the California median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 78% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Placentia, CAPop. 52,826 | … #36 | 60.3 | $115,929 | $2,388/mo | 245 |
| Huntington Beach, CAPop. 195,240 | #37 | 60.0 | $120,919 | $2,510/mo | 182 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #42 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #43 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #44 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of San Jose among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $100,149, violent crime 432.7 per 100,000.
How is San Jose's score calculated?
San Jose scores 59.7 out of 100, #416 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in San Jose. Similar-size median 50.4.
81.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by San Jose's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
57.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in San Jose. Similar-size median 52.4.
73.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in San Jose's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
52.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
San Jose's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
21.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in San Jose. Similar-size median 43.4.
89.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in San Jose. Similar-size median 40.4.
41.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in San Jose. Similar-size median 56.6.
56.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across San Jose's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
26.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: San Jose's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories San Jose has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in San Jose
Is San Jose, CA a good place to live?
San Jose ranks #416 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 37 large cities and #40 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($146,427, #1 of 37) and low poverty (8.1%, #1 of 37), and trails on high rents ($2,669/mo, #37 of 37) and expensive homes ($1,233,200, #36 of 37).
What is the cost of living in San Jose?
San Jose's cost of living index is 110.4, 10% above the US level of 100 and #1104 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,669/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,362,808, 78% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in San Jose?
San Jose recorded 505 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 54% above the US rate of 328 and 17% above California's 433. That ranks #848 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #10 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by San Jose Police Department. Property crime runs 2,403 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in San Jose?
The median household in San Jose earns $146,427, 76% above the US figure of $83,163 and 46% above California ($100,149). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in San Jose?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,669/mo (Census), #1264 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,563/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in San Jose?
The typical home value in San Jose is $1,362,808, down 0.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,233,200.
How are the public schools in San Jose?
San Jose's 213 public schools graduate 88.5% of students in four years (California 87%), with 22.2 students per teacher and $18,070 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in San Jose?
The average commute is 27.3 minutes, #955 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.7 minutes across California. 7.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in San Jose?
San Jose averages 61.5°F over the year, 70.1°F in summer and 52°F in winter, with 16.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is San Jose walkable?
San Jose scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is San Jose at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Santa Clara County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.41% of building value, higher than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in San Jose?
Santa Clara County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in San Jose?
San Jose has 990,138 residents. The median resident of San Jose is 38.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does San Jose compare with the rest of California?
San Jose ranks #40 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.7 against California's statewide 40.2. Its households earn 46% above the California median. Violent crime is 17% above the statewide rate. Homes are 78% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to San Jose?
The tracked cities in other states closest to San Jose's population of 990,138 are Austin, TX (#496 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). San Jose is #416.