Everything You Should Know Before Moving to San Jose, CA
Thinking of moving to San Jose, CA? Home to over 970,000 residents, San Jose offers sunny weather year-round, a diverse cultural mix, and world-class educational opportunities. While median home prices are high at $1.3 million and average rents hover around $2,750, the area boasts strong household incomes and a vibrant job market. Crime rates are moderate for a big city, and you'll enjoy a short 32-minute average commute, excellent schools, and easy access to top tech employers and local amenities. Explore the details below to help you plan your move with confidence.
Demographics - San Jose, CA
Demographics - San Jose, CA
San Jose is a diverse city of over 970,000 people, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.2. Nearly 45% of residents speak a language other than English at home, and the population is notably multicultural, with a significant Asian community making up about 37%. The city's density and blend of backgrounds create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
971,233
Density:
5,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
44.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
23.6%
Black:
2.7%
Asian:
36.9%
Others:
36.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in San Jose, CA?
Living in San Jose comes with a high cost, as the median home value is about $1.3 million and average monthly rent is around $2,750. The overall cost of living index is 80% higher than the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing costs. Residents should also budget for higher utilities, transportation, and state taxes.
Median House Value:
$1,300,000
Gross Rent:
$2,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.0
Grocery:
124.5
Housing:
295.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
132.0
Health Care:
116.0
Miscellaneous:
114.0
Crime
Is San Jose, CA a safe place to live?
San Jose's crime rates are moderate for a large city, with about 350 violent crimes and 2,650 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of encountering violent crime is approximately 1 in 285, while property crime risk is 1 in 38. Overall, the city offers a relatively safe environment compared to other major urban areas in California.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,650
Crime Index:
3,000
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in San Jose, CA year-round?
San Jose enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers reaching highs of 84°F and mild winters with lows around 42°F. The city sees about 16 inches of rain annually and boasts sunshine nearly 80% of the year. This pleasant weather makes outdoor activities accessible year-round.
Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
78%
Neighbors
Residents of San Jose benefit from a strong local economy, with median household incomes around $138,000 and a low poverty rate of 8.3%. The community is highly educated, with nearly 44% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average about 32 minutes, and public transportation is used by almost 5% of the population.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$138,000
Family Income:
$153,000
Per Capita Income:
$55,000
Income Male:
$74,000
Income Female:
$62,000
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
44.3%
Rent:
$2,750
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
4.7%
Commute Time:
31.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
43.6%
Education
How are the schools in San Jose, CA?
San Jose boasts excellent educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Lynbrook High and Piedmont Middle, and top private institutions such as Bellarmine College Preparatory. The city is also home to San Jose State University, a major public university with over 36,000 students, and is close to Santa Clara University. Families and students will find a range of high-quality options from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Lynbrook High School
Street:
1280 Johnson Ave
Phone:
408-366-7700
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Piedmont Middle School
Street:
955 Piedmont Rd
Phone:
408-923-3630
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1
Private Schools
Name:
Bellarmine College Preparatory
Street:
960 W Hedding St
Phone:
408-294-9224
Students:
1,650
Colleges
Name:
San Jose State University
City:
San Jose
State:
CA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
36,000
Name:
Santa Clara University
City:
Santa Clara
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
8,700
Healthcare
San Jose offers robust healthcare options, including major hospitals like Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Good Samaritan Hospital. With about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 93% health insurance coverage, access to medical services is strong. The city’s healthcare system is comprehensive and well-rated for quality and availability.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Address:
751 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Phone:
(408) 885-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124
Phone:
(408) 559-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in San Jose, CA?
The San Jose housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.3 million and average two-bedroom rents at $2,750. About 57% of homes are owner-occupied, and property values have appreciated over 6% in the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting high demand for both buying and renting.
Median Home Price:
$1,300,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
San Jose residents are served locally by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 111 W. Alma Avenue. Services such as licensing, registration, and vehicle titling are easily accessible, and more information can be found on the California DMV website or by calling their toll-free number. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all your motor vehicle needs.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
111 W. Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.