San Francisco vs San Jose: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison

San Francisco's median home value is $1,348,700 — 17% higher than San Jose's $1,149,600.

San Francisco's median household income runs $136,689, against $136,010 in San Jose.

Median rent is $2,316 in San Francisco, compared with $2,526 in San Jose.

Climate risk is a wash here — both cities carry a "Very High" FEMA rating.

Metric	San Francisco, CA	San Jose, CA
Population	851,036	1,001,176
Median home value	$1,348,700	$1,149,600
Median household income	$136,689	$136,010
Median gross rent	$2,316	$2,526
Climate risk (FEMA)	Very High	Very High

It's a split decision on housing: San Jose, CA wins on home value, San Francisco, CA wins on rent. Neither comes out ahead on both.

Moving between San Francisco and San Jose

San Francisco and San Jose are 73 miles apart in a straight line.

What changes when you move	San Francisco → San Jose	San Jose → San Francisco
Median rent	+$210/mo (+9%)	−$210/mo (−8%)
Median home value	−$199,100 (−15%)	+$199,100 (+17%)
Median household income	−$679 (−0%)	+$679 (+0%)

Estimated moving cost (either direction)

Home size	Estimated cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$511 – $776
2-3 bedroom	$1,619 – $2,446
4+ bedroom house	$3,029 – $4,569

Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

San Francisco, CA San Jose, CA

84 miles estimated driving distance · 1.4 hours of highway driving

DIY Truck Rental

$213 – $274

Includes an estimated $29 in fuel (8 gal at ~10 mpg) over 1 driving day.

Professional Movers

$1,241 – $1,916

Full-service crew, loading and unloading included.

Estimates based on typical rental-truck, fuel, and professional-mover industry rates; actual quotes vary by carrier, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index

Data last updated July 2026.