Thinking about moving to San Jose, California? Whether you’re planning a DIY move or hiring long-distance movers, you’ll be landing in the “Capital of Silicon Valley.” As the region’s largest city and home to companies like Adobe, PayPal, and Cisco, San Jose comes with big opportunities — and a higher cost of living to match. Here’s what to know about living in San Jose before you make the move, from housing and neighborhoods to culture, safety, and everyday life.
8 Things To Know About Living in San Jose Before Moving to San Jose
Before you pack those boxes, here are a few important things to know about living in San Jose.
1. The cost of living in San Jose is among the highest in the U.S.
There’s no way around it — living in San Jose comes with a high price tag. The cost of living in San Jose is driven by steep housing prices, tax rates, and costs of goods and services.
The city’s combined sales tax rate is 10%, which dwarfs the national average of 7.1%. On top of that, California’s state income taxes are among the highest in the nation, with the top bracket paying up to 12.3%.
The largest contributor to the high cost of living in San Jose is housing, which is 230% higher than the national average. Whether you’re renting or buying, be prepared to spend big (or start looking for roommates ASAP). Median rent is an astounding $5,296 per month, and the average home price clocks in at $1,764,756. Utilities and energy costs also play a big role, with the average monthly energy bill ringing in at $314.13 (43% above the U.S. average).
Even gas, groceries, and retail prices run higher, so unless you’re moving from another pricey market like New York City or Seattle, you’re likely to experience some sticker shock. For example, if gas costs $3.20 per gallon in Chicago, filling a 12-gallon tank would run about $38. In San Jose, where prices are roughly 42% higher, that same fill-up jumps to around $58.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Jose?According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single working adult with no children would need to earn $37.93 per hour to cover basic needs such as food and housing in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara region. For two working adults with two children, this increases to $48.15 per earner. This figure doesn’t include expenses like entertainment or travel, so if your definition of comfort includes these and other “nice-to-haves,” you’ll need to adjust your salary goals accordingly. |
2. San Jose’s job market is tech-centric and hybridized
Living in San Jose can be expensive, but it seems like the residents can afford it: the median household income in San Jose is $146,437, and the majority of households (36%) have a household income above $200,000.
These salaries come hand in hand with technology roles, with major players like Adobe and eBay based in the area. In the remote work–heavy post-pandemic job market, many of these tech giants have brought workers back into the office for at least a couple of days a week.
Because of the high cost of living—and the competitive, tech-driven job market—it’s best to have a stable job lined up before moving to San Jose.
3. San Jose runs on cars
Although public transportation is available in San Jose through VTA (the Valley Transportation Authority), which provides bus, rail, and paratransit services, cars are the predominant mode of transportation for San Jose residents. Peak drive times to neighboring cities like Sunnyvale or Palo Alto can reach an hour or more, which is important to factor in when deciding where to live, and that time continues to climb as more offices continue to bring remote workers back into the office at least part-time.
4. San Jose’s weather offers plenty of sunshine with a cool coastal twist
If you’re moving out of state from a place with gloomy winters or intolerable heat, San Jose’s mild, dry Mediterranean climate will feel heaven-sent. California is indeed sunny, and San Jose boasts around 300 days of sunshine a year. Don’t leave your sweaters at home, though — San Jose is located at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, and the area’s notorious fog and wind can turn a sunny morning into a chilly and damp afternoon. Evenings are brisk, with low temperatures ranging from the low 40s in January to the high 50s in July.
The good news is that temperatures remain pretty stable year-round, and May through September marks a warm, dry summer season without excessive heat (high temps peak in the low 80s).
5. The best places to live in San Jose range from vintage to ultra-modern
People moving to San Jose have many unique options when it comes to where to live — it just comes down to your budget and lifestyle. From historic, walkable districts to quiet, suburban neighborhoods, these are some of the best places to live in San Jose.
Willow Glen
Just south of Downtown San Jose, Willow Glen draws residents for its quaint shopping district and breathtaking architecture, including numerous mid-century modern Eichler homes.
Almaden Valley
For families seeking a suburban experience removed from the city hustle, Almaden Valley’s proximity to outdoor recreation is ideal for nature-lovers, and as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Jose, it’s a top choice for people raising kids.
Japantown
If you’re looking for a dynamic urban living experience, Japantown is a hip cultural hub that draws people for its vibrant culture, downtown location, and of course, next-level ramen and sushi.
| Ready to make the move to San Jose? Get a fast, free quote from Colonial. |
6. San Jose is loaded with fun things to do
As a thriving, multicultural city with outdoor-friendly weather, beating boredom in San Jose is easy, even if you are pinching pennies or have little ones to entertain. Here are a few lists to get you started.
Best Things To Do in San Jose, CA
Take a tour of the iconic Winchester Mystery House, a Victorian mansion known for its beautiful yet bizarre design, as well as the eccentric heiress behind its odd construction.
Dig into the countless restaurants within San Pedro Square Market, an expansive downtown food hall amid the city’s historic district.
Get hands-on with robotics, space, and biotech exhibitions at The Tech Interactive.
View antiquities, artifacts, and even mummies at the world-renowned Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
- Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of SoFA, Silicon Valley’s creative district, which is home to the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose, the historic California Theater, and plenty of trendy galleries and cafes.
Free Things To Do in San Jose, CA
Check out the Institute of Contemporary Art, which is free to the public on Thursdays through Saturdays.
Stroll along the fragrant paths at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden.
Experience San Jose’s Japanese-American cultural heritage in historic Japantown.
Surround yourself with serene flora and water features at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Hit the trails via hike, bike, or horse at the 4,100-acre Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Things To Do With Kids in San Jose, CA
Mix fun with learning at the Children’s Discovery Museum, one of the largest kids’ museums in the U.S.
View exotic critters and go wild with rides and games at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
Visit a real urban farm and meet animals like chickens, pigs, and goats at the Emma Prusch Farm Park.
Browse unique creations, visit the Build-a-Bear Workshop, and romp on the playground at the Santana Row Maker’s Market.
Scope out LEGOLAND Discovery Center in nearby Milpitas for rides and installations featuring the classic plastic bricks.
7. San Jose is relatively safe, especially considering its size
Is San Jose, California, safe? According to SmartAsset.com, San Jose is the safest major city in America, based on their criteria, which analyzed data related to violent and property crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and vehicular deaths.
Looking at crime alone, San Jose is average to slightly below average compared to similarly-sized cities, and it’s trending downward: between 2024 and 2025, the city experienced a 15% drop in violent crime and 7% drop in property crime. The city credits this in part to new community initiatives and tech-enabled policing.
Safest San Jose Neighborhoods
Evergreen
Cambrian Park
Berryessa
Source: Safest San Jose Neighborhoods - Areavibes
San Jose Neighborhoods With the Most Crime
Downtown
Fairgrounds
Alum Rock–East Foothills
Source: Most dangerous San Jose neighborhoods - Areavibes
Pros and Cons of Living in San Jose
San Jose has a lot going for it—but it’s not without its downsides.
Pros of Living in San Jose | Cons of Living in San Jose |
|
|
Is San Jose a Good Place to Live in California?
San Jose is a good place to live if you’re moving to California, work in tech or a high-paying field. And are looking for a modern, culturally rich city with consistently mild weather. However, you won’t get much out of it if you’re not making six figures, as it’s one of the priciest cities in America.
Tips for New San Jose Residents
If you’re moving to San Jose, a little preparation can go a long way.
Plan your location wisely: There’s a reason why companies like Google, Meta, and Apple have their own shuttle buses to escort employees to and fro: Commuting in San Jose can be a huge undertaking (30 minutes plus on average), so make sure where you end up living doesn’t result in gridlock every morning.
Be honest about your budget: As you work on your moving checklist, take a close look at your finances. Ask yourself: Between housing, utilities, taxes, and transportation, will you have enough left over to not just survive in San Jose, but thrive?
Keep work and life in balance: Silicon Valley’s corporate culture is competitive and demanding, but San Jose has plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and life’s little luxuries. Take advantage of local festivals, parks, and activities happening outside the office walls.
Get Help From the Long-Distance Moving Experts
Whether you’re choosing San Jose or another Golden State destination, manage the stress of moving by teaming up with an interstate moving company that specializes in full-service moving experiences. The professionals at Colonial Van Lines handle everything from loading to transport and unloading, so you can focus on your next chapter. Get your fast, free quote today.