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.
Median household income is $136,689 in San Francisco versus $136,010 in San Jose.
Typical rent runs $2,316 in San Francisco and $2,526 in San Jose.
| 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 |
Housing costs are mixed: San Jose, CA has the lower median home value while San Francisco, CA has lower median rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
- Best cities in California
- Best cities in California
- Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- San Diego vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
- Austin vs San Francisco: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.