Cost of living in San Jose, California, United States

Summary of cost of living in San Jose, California

  • Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,722
  • Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,992
    • WARNING!  These estimates are based on only a few data points. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess.

List of prices in San Jose, California
Current as of Jun 2025.

Change the currency:
Food Update prices
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district $29
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) $14
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast $6
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk $1.45
12 eggs, large $8
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes $2.87
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese $8
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples $3.97
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes $2.62
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket $6
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality $33
2 liters of coca-cola $3.08
Bread for 2 people for 1 day $2.92
Expatistan is a collaborative effort. The data gets better with every new price that you enter.
We need your help! Tell us about prices in San Jose, USA.
Page-elements
Housing Update prices
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area $3,544
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area $2,360
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat $193
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area $2,684
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area $1,311
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio $206
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) $44
40” flat screen tv $422
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) $139
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) $14
Hourly rate for cleaning help $33
Clothes Update prices
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) $58
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) $46
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) $105
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes $175
Transportation Update prices
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new $34,262
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas $1.35
Monthly ticket public transport $80
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) $14
Expatistan is a collaborative effort. The data gets better with every new price that you enter.
We need your help! Tell us about prices in San Jose, USA.
Page-elements
Personal Care Update prices
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) $9
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) $39
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) $177
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) $7
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) $4.31
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) $7
4 rolls of toilet paper $7
Tube of toothpaste $2.50
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city $26
Entertainment Update prices
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub $78
2 tickets to the movies $35
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) $288
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert $142
1 cocktail drink in downtown club $15
Cappuccino in expat area of the city $6
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) $7
Ipad wi-fi 128gb $466
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) $0.50
1 month of gym membership in business district $45
1 package of marlboro cigarettes $11
WARNING!  These prices are based on only a few data points. At this point they are mostly a guess. They are based on 150 prices entered by 14 different people.
Latest price update: June 13, 2025

Moving to San Jose, California with your children?

International Schools in San Jose, California

Did you know that ...

Do you live in San Jose, California? We need your help!

What is the price of

Public transport

in San Jose, California?

monthly ticket
$

International Cost of Living Index

loading...

Prices recently added

  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Prague costs 169 Kč (20 minutes ago)
  • Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district in Mumbai costs ₨1,500 (about 2 hours ago)
  • Monthly rent - 480 sqft furnished studio in expensive area in Bismarck, North Dakota costs $2,018 (about 6 hours ago)
  • 1 pack of marlboro cigarettes in Helsinki costs €12 (about 7 hours ago)

Make a different comparison:

Compare cost of living between cities:
vs