Living in San Jose, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of San Jose · Census data 2020–2024
San Jose has 990,138 residents with a median age of 38.2. The median household income is $146,427 (48% higher than the California median), the median home value is $1,233,200, the median rent is $2,669/month.
San Jose at a glance
- Population
- 990,138
- Median age
- 38.2State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $146,427State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $1,233,200State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $2,669/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 55.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 47.3%
- Average commute
- 27 min
Is San Jose a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 48% higher than the California median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 5.1%; a poverty rate of 8.1%.
Cons: Home values 68% higher than the state median.
The weather is best in May–June and September–October.
Cost of living in San Jose
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In San Jose the median home value is $1,233,200, 271% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $2,669 per month, which is 30.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
San Jose median household income
The median household income in San Jose is $146,427 and the income per person is $65,945. 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in San Jose: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 345,066
- Owner-occupied
- 55.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 44.2%
- Vacant
- 4.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1976
- Average household size
- 2.97
San Jose demographics
- Population
- 990,138
- Median age
- 38.2
- Under 18
- 20.5%
- 65 and older
- 14.5%
- Households
- 328,550
- Foreign-born
- 42%
- Veterans
- 2.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of San Jose ›
Education in San Jose
47.3% of adults 25 and older in San Jose have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 20.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in San Jose
- Unemployment rate
- 5.1%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 27 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 20.3%
- Drive alone
- 62.9%
- Public transit
- 2.4%
- Walk to work
- 1.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 95.4%
San Jose vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 990,138 | $146,427 | $1,233,200 | $2,669 |
| Alum Rock | 10,440 | $126,705 | $909,500 | $2,389 |
| East Foothills | 7,139 | $199,375 | $1,346,100 | $3,321 |
| Burbank | 5,333 | $134,518 | $1,104,600 | $2,566 |
| Fruitdale | 986 | $182,889 | $1,581,200 | $2,746 |
| Cambrian Park | 3,494 | $192,731 | $2,000,001 | $3,179 |
| Campbell | 42,781 | $145,268 | $1,617,000 | $2,737 |
| Los Gatos | 32,786 | $217,554 | $2,000,001 | $3,247 |
| Santa Clara | 130,256 | $178,958 | $1,582,600 | $3,016 |
More for people moving to San Jose
San Jose ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in San Jose: FAQ
What is the median household income in San Jose, CA?
The median household income in San Jose is $146,427, 48% higher than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in San Jose?
The median home value in San Jose is $1,233,200, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in San Jose?
The median gross rent in San Jose is $2,669 per month, about 30.1% of household income.
Is San Jose, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 48% higher than the California median; an average commute of 27 minutes; unemployment of 5.1%; a poverty rate of 8.1%. Minuses: home values 68% higher than the state median.
What is the median age in San Jose?
The median age in San Jose is 38.2 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in San Jose?
The average commute to work in San Jose is 27 minutes; 20.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in San Jose?
The unemployment rate in San Jose is 5.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is San Jose?
47.3% of adults in San Jose have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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