Quick answer
Overall prices in the Washington, DC metro were 108.9 vs 110.4 in San Jose, CA in 2024 (US = 100), so Washington is 1.4% less expensive than San Jose; housing rents differ by 29% (151.1 vs 211.9). A $75,000 income in Washington buys about what $76,060 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) | Washington | San Jose | Washington vs San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.9 | 110.4 | -1.4% |
| Goods | 104.8 | 105.2 | -0.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.1 | 211.9 | -28.7% |
| Utilities | 106.7 | 156.7 | -31.9% |
| Other services | 102.3 | 100.3 | +2.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 114.8 | 119.3 | -3.8% |
| $50,000 in Washington equals in San Jose | $50,707 | ||
| $100,000 in Washington equals in San Jose | $101,413 | ||
| $150,000 in Washington equals in San Jose | $152,120 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.