New York
San Jose

New York vs San Jose — Cost of Living Comparison

New York
United States
VS
San Jose
Costa Rica
Estimated average living costs are ~74% lower in San Jose

New York

$4,200

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,336,817

Safety

55/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
100
Safety
55
Life
62

San Jose

$1,100

avg. monthly cost

Population

342,188

Safety

48/100

Quality

62/100

Cost
42
Safety
48
Life
62

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~74% lower in San Jose

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

New York

$4,200

estimated per month

San Jose

$1,100

estimated per month

Difference

-73.8%

Monthly savings

$3,100

Yearly savings

$37,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$19,643

-$55,357/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$3,450.00$650.00
-81.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,200.00$420.00
-80.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$6,500.00$1,100.00
-83.1%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$3,800.00$700.00
-81.6%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$25.00$7.00
-72.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$110.00$35.00
-68.2%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$12.00$7.00
-41.7%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.45$1.50
+3.4%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.20$1.80
-57.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$1.30
-76.4%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.80$2.60
-45.8%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$14.50$5.50
-62.1%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$6.20$3.00
-51.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.10$1.10
-47.6%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$132.00$30.00
-77.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.90$0.65
-77.6%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$1.20
-65.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.20$0.80
-63.6%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05$1.20
+14.3%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$190.00$75.00
-60.5%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$55.00$15.00
-72.7%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$68.00$40.00
-41.2%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$250.00$40.00
-84.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$200.00$45.00
-77.5%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$55.00$10.00
-81.8%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$95.00$35.00
-63.2%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$18.00$5.00
-72.2%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.50$3.00
-45.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$9.00$3.50
-61.1%
ItemNew YorkSan JoseDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$55.00$50.00
-9.1%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$42.00$32.00
-23.8%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$95.00$75.00
-21.1%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: New York vs San Jose

Is New York or San Jose more expensive?
New York is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 100 compared with 42 for San Jose.
How much cheaper is San Jose than New York?
Living in San Jose is around 58% cheaper than New York, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between New York and San Jose?
New York scores 100 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while San Jose scores 42 — where New York City equals 100.