ReloMath

Los Angeles, CA vs San Jose, CA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Los Angeles, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
113.1
Housing RPP
177
Goods RPP
106.3
2-BR median rent
$2,544/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

San Jose, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
115.3
Housing RPP
233.3
Goods RPP
108.9
2-BR median rent
$3,132/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

San Jose, CA is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA by about 1.9% (RPP 113.1 to 115.3).

$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $61,167

in San Jose, CA

$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $101,945

in San Jose, CA

$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA

-> $152,918

in San Jose, CA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is San Jose, CA cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
San Jose, CA (RPP 115.3) is more expensive than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 1.9%.
What salary do I need in San Jose, CA if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
You would need approximately $101,945 in San Jose, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (115.3 / 113.1).