Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 1.3% more expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 15% (179.3 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $74,019 buys in San Jose, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | San Jose | San Diego vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 110.4 | +1.3% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 105.2 | +2.7% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 211.9 | -15.4% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 156.7 | +11.2% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 100.3 | -0.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 119.3 | -4.7% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in San Jose | $49,346 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in San Jose | $98,692 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in San Jose | $148,037 |
Related
- Cost of living: San Antonio, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs San Antonio, TX (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs St. Louis, MO (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs San Diego, CA (2024)
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs San Diego, CA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.