Is Huntington Beach, CA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Huntington Beach, CA is 23.4% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $1754 per month.

What salary do I need in Huntington Beach, CA to live like I do in San Jose, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $128,955.224 in Huntington Beach, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Jose, CA and Huntington Beach, CA?

Housing in Huntington Beach, CA is 37.9% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,340/month in Huntington Beach, CA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Jose, CA to Huntington Beach, CA?

Moving from San Jose, CA to Huntington Beach, CA could save you approximately $1754 per month, or $21045 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Jose, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Huntington Beach, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.0K in Huntington Beach, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,754

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.35M

Huntington Beach, CA

Population:192K

Cost Index:

(23% below avg)

Median Home:$1.32M

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M residents.

Huntington Beach, CA

The Golden State

192K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 192K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Jose, CA vs Huntington Beach, CA

Category	San Jose, CA	Huntington Beach, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$9,667/mo	$6,003/mo	↓ $3,664less	37.9%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $751more	53.4%
Healthcare	$706/mo	$551/mo	↓ $155less	21.9%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $100less	5.5%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$557/mo	↑ $92.89more	20.0%
Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $89.93less	8.0%

Housing

↓ 37.9%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Huntington Beach, CA

$6,003

Difference

$3,664

less

Transportation

↑ 53.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Huntington Beach, CA

$2,158

Difference

$751

Healthcare

↓ 21.9%

San Jose, CA

$706

Huntington Beach, CA

$551

Difference

$155

less

Other

↓ 5.5%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,724

Difference

$100

less

All Utilities

↑ 20.0%

San Jose, CA

$464

Huntington Beach, CA

$557

Difference

$92.89

Groceries

↓ 8.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Huntington Beach, CA

$1,039

Difference

$89.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$2,770

↑ $180

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,830

↓ $120

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$3,340

↓ $105

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$4,530

↓ $20.00

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/mo

Huntington Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,730–$2,920/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Huntington Beach, CA

$3,165

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Huntington Beach

$1.35M

Median Value

$1.32M

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$1.20M - $1.49M

Homes in Huntington Beach are 2% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose Calculate payment - Huntington Beach

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

San Jose, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Huntington Beach, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

San Jose, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Huntington Beach, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.