Home to tech giants like Adobe and Cisco, San Jose is a world-renowned center for technology and innovation. However, moving to San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, comes with a high cost of living, especially in housing.
Accommodation costs 65% more than the state average. While food costs the same as the state average, goods and services are 2% cheaper.
What Is a Cost of Living Index?
A cost of living index means the income required to sustain yourself. A higher cost-of-living index means commodities are more expensive, so you need more money to afford a pleasant lifestyle.
The cost of living in San Jose is 75% above the national average. This implies that you should budget an additional amount for everything, including groceries, utilities, entertainment, and rent.
4 Major Expenses to Look out for in San Jose
Living in San Jose can be heavy on your pocket. Here’s a breakdown of all the major expenses that you may incur while residing in the city:
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Housing
The cost of housing in San Jose is 142% higher than the national average. The average monthly rent is nearly $3K, and the median home price is $1.5 million. However, there are affordable options as well. You can find houses under 100K near San Jose if you want to live on a budget.
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Transportation
The Valley Transportation Authority of San Jose offers various public transportation services. These include:
- Buses: The largest and most reasonably priced option, with adult fares starting at $2.50 and senior/disabled fares at $1.00. Single-ride passes for individuals between 5-18 start at $1.25.
- Light Rail: A convenient option for traveling longer distances within the city. Fares for seniors/disabled start at $2 for an 8-hour pass. Meanwhile, for adults and youth, they start at $5 and $2.50, respectively.
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Food and Groceries
Groceries and food in San Jose can be expensive. Here are some of the prices for your reference:
- Rice (1 lb): $2.06
- Eggs (dozen): $5.37
- Chicken Fillets (1 lb): $6.39
Dining out is expensive. An average business lunch costs around $22, and a fast-food meal can cost up to $12.
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Utilities
Utility costs, such as electricity, water, municipal charges, etc., are estimated to be up to $300. However, these costs entirely depend on your usage.
4 Tips to Save Money on Living Expenses in San Jose
Although San Jose is an expensive city to live in, there are ways to cut costs.
- Rent Smaller Apartments: A smaller apartment means lower rent. Additionally, you can also consider having roommates.
- Find Cheap Homes: If you don’t wish to rent, you can find cheap homes for sale in San Jose on websites like Houzeo. It offers personalized home searches based on your preferences.
- Use Public Transport: Instead of using your vehicle, use public transport like buses and light rail. This will help you save a considerable amount of money on fuel.
- Enjoy Low-Cost Activities: San Jose offers free access to parks and museums, such as the Municipal Rose Garden and Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, along with other outdoor events.
Bottom Line
San Jose, California’s overall cost of living is 75% above the national average. That means you’ll need a higher income to afford a comfortable lifestyle. The major expense is housing, which can set you back by almost $3,000 in rent. However, you can save money by renting a shared apartment.
Transport is affordable because of buses and the light rail. Food and grocery costs are almost the same as the national average.
Overall, living in San Jose is expensive, but there are ways you can live there without breaking the bank. Craft a budget and follow the tips discussed above.