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San Jose vs Los Angeles

United States vs United States · 471 km apart

San Jose

United States

$1,439

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Los Angeles

United States

$1,635

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseSan JoseLos AngelesCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$12.83$14.40San Jose
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$51.30$57.60San Jose
Cappuccino$3.85$4.32San Jose
Monthly groceries (single person)$291$326San Jose
Monthly public transport pass$47.03$52.80San Jose
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$124$139San Jose
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$35.91$40.32San Jose
Fitness club membership$35.91$40.32San Jose
Cinema ticket$9.41$10.56San Jose
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$840$971San Jose
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$584$675San Jose
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,753$2,026San Jose
Total single-person budget$1,439$1,635San Jose
Average net salary$4,446$4,992

Verdict

San Jose is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in San Jose runs about $1,439 versus $1,635 in Los Angeles — a difference of roughly 14%.

Salary-adjusted, Los Angeles leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in San Jose  ·  Full cost of living in Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Jose cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $1,439 per month in San Jose versus $1,635 in Los Angeles — about 14% less.
How far is San Jose from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between San Jose and Los Angeles is approximately 471 km (293 miles).
Which city has better salaries, San Jose or Los Angeles?
The estimated average net salary is $4,446 in San Jose and $4,992 in Los Angeles. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $3,007 in San Jose versus $3,357 in Los Angeles per month.