Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 13.8% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $1034 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in San Jose, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $137,597.015 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Jose, CA and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 19.8% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Los Angeles, CA could save you approximately $1034 per month, or $12403 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Jose, CA

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.6K in Los Angeles, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,034

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.4K

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

Median Home:$1.35M

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$885K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: San Jose, CA vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	San Jose, CA	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$7,749/mo	↓ $1,918less	19.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $751more	53.4%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$554/mo	↓ $152less	21.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $93.74less	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$557/mo	↑ $92.89more	20.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $88.93less	7.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.8%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$1,918

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 53.4%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$751

🏥Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

San Jose, CA

$706

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$152

less

📦Other

↓ 5.1%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$93.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 20.0%

San Jose, CA

$464

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$92.89

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.9%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$88.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,910

↓ $680

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$2,135

↓ $815

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$2,660

↓ $785

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$3,370

↓ $1,180

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$1,409

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Los Angeles

$1.35M

Median Value

$885K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 34% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Los Angeles, 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%

Los Angeles, 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.