San Diego and San Jose, both renowned Californian cities, offer diverse experiences to residents and tourists alike. San Diego is famed for its comfortable Mediterranean climate, military establishments, burgeoning biotech sector, and exceptional beaches. On the other hand, San Jose, at the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its tech dominance, higher cost of living, and outstanding education system. This comparison will better illuminate the numerous aspects of living and visiting these two appealing locales.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
San Jose, CA : 411.2 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 41%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of San Jose has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) during that time.
In terms of safety, both cities have a relatively comparable crime rate. However, it's worth noting that, in comparison to national averages, San Jose generally has lower violent and property crime rates. Conversely, while San Diego is mostly a secure city, some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 1,806 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in San Jose is 568 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Diego than in San Jose.
Cost of Living
San Jose's cost of living is significantly higher than San Diego's due to its position in the heart of Silicon Valley. Housing is the biggest factor in this difference, with median home prices in San Jose being one of the highest in the country. This holds true for other costs, such as groceries and healthcare, as well.
Income Tax
California's income tax applies universally across cities, including San Diego and San Jose, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% based on income level.
Property Tax
San Diego has a lower average property tax rate (0.76%) compared to San Jose (0.79%), but property taxes can be significantly higher in San Jose due to the elevated property values.
Sales Tax
Both cities are subject to California's base state sales tax rate of 7.25%. However, when incorporating local taxes, San Jose's total sales tax rate is 9.25%, whereas San Diego's is 7.75%.
Income
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$126,377
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$57,357
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
127.4
If you make $50,000 in San Diego, you will have to make $50,396 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is geographically captivating with its beachfront, hills, harbors, and the scenic Pacific coastline. San Jose, nestled within the Santa Clara Valley, offers rolling hills and is flanked by the Diablo and Santa Cruz Mountain ranges.
San Jose shines in the realm of education, housing several high-ranking public schools and prestigious universities like San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. San Diego is not far behind, with its respected University of California, San Diego and a robust public school system.
San Jose's economy, fueled by tech titans and startups in Silicon Valley, provides an abundance of high-paying jobs, especially in IT and software development. While San Diego's economy is diverse, major sectors include military/defense, tourism, international trade, and biotech.
Biggest Employers
San Jose's biggest employers include tech giants like Apple, Google, and Adobe. San Diego's largest employers are the U.S. Navy, alongside major healthcare providers like Sharp Healthcare and Scripps Health.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
2020
60.3%
72.7%
37.5%
25.2%
2.1%
2.1%
2016
56.3%
72.7%
36.6%
20.6%
7.1%
6.7%
2012
52.6%
70.0%
45.0%
27.1%
2.4%
2.9%
2008
54.2%
69.6%
44.0%
28.6%
1.8%
1.8%
2004
46.7%
64.3%
52.9%
34.8%
0.4%
0.9%
2000
45.8%
60.7%
49.8%
34.4%
4.5%
4.9%
1996
44.1%
56.9%
45.6%
32.2%
10.3%
11.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
25.1%
6.7%
6.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
0.9%
12.0%
7.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
1.1%
1.1%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.0%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.2%
1.4%
Weather
Weather in both cities is celebrated for its pleasant conditions. San Diego is known for its comfortable, year-round Mediterranean climate, with typical temperatures ranging between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. San Jose, although having a similar Mediterranean climate, experiences cooler winters and hotter summers compared to San Diego.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
60.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
35.5%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
51.6%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
16.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
27.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
73.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
77.4%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
54.4%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in San Jose, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Diego
San Jose
San Diego
San Jose
2018
101
94
0.53
0.49
11.2
14.5
32.6
22.2
0.007
0.006
N/A
N/A
10.5
12.5
0.1
0.2
2017
115
91
0.63
0.50
12.7
14.6
32.7
23.5
0.007
0.004
N/A
N/A
10.8
10.2
0.1
0.2
2016
105
69
0.46
0.47
13.0
13.7
30.4
22.4
0.006
0.003
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.8
0.1
0.2
2015
111
84
0.43
0.52
13.2
15.4
29.9
22.3
0.005
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.9
9.2
0.1
0.3
2014
105
83
0.44
0.40
11.6
13.9
31.1
21.5
0.007
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.1
8.2
0.1
0.2
2013
138
90
0.50
0.41
12.4
15.2
27.4
20.8
0.019
0.005
N/A
N/A
12.3
12.4
0.2
0.3
2012
110
74
0.53
0.35
12.7
13.3
28.0
21.8
0.019
0.003
N/A
N/A
13.6
10.1
0.2
0.3
2011
122
83
0.51
0.37
13.5
14.8
29.0
20.6
0.034
0.003
N/A
N/A
14.0
12.3
1.5
0.3
2010
109
88
0.52
0.35
14.0
14.4
29.3
20.4
0.019
0.004
N/A
N/A
13.9
9.0
1.0
0.4
2009
121
89
0.64
0.40
15.6
14.7
26.9
18.2
0.014
0.004
N/A
N/A
15.1
9.3
2.7
0.3
2008
127
100
0.71
0.45
16.1
16.7
28.4
20.6
N/A
N/A
67.3
N/A
N/A
12.6
2.6
N/A
2007
157
92
0.71
0.44
16.4
16.6
28.0
20.0
0.012
0.009
64.6
N/A
N/A
11.1
2.8
N/A
2006
123
100
0.81
0.46
18.9
18.0
27.1
21.8
0.056
N/A
64.8
N/A
N/A
11.1
3.4
N/A
2005
112
95
0.90
0.68
19.2
18.6
24.4
20.0
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
3.7
N/A
2004
120
98
0.93
0.63
18.4
18.5
25.9
20.4
0.055
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
4.6
N/A
2003
124
87
0.88
0.73
19.4
20.6
25.4
19.1
0.049
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
N/A
2002
125
78
0.86
0.65
20.9
19.5
25.9
18.0
0.039
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
N/A
2001
132
75
0.93
0.61
20.4
18.5
26.5
16.8
0.048
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
N/A
2000
134
65
1.02
0.66
22.3
18.9
23.8
15.6
0.054
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
7,785.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
19%
Transportation
While both cities offer public transportation, San Jose's system is more developed and includes buses, light rail, and BART services. San Diego's system primarily consists of buses and a light rail system (trolley).
Transport
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
852
553
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
13
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Bicycle
0.6%
1%
Bus
2%
1.1%
Carpooled
9.4%
11.4%
Car alone
81.7%
80.5%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0.5%
0.2%
Subway
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
3.6%
3.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Average
27.4 min
29.2 min
Other means
22.7 min
27.9 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
87.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
8.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
1.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Jose's real estate market is one of the most costly in the nation, driven by the high demand in Silicon Valley. In contrast, while San Diego is still pricier than the national average, it’s more affordable than San Jose.
Neighborhoods
San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter to the laid-back Pacific Beach. San Jose offers a variety of neighborhoods as well, from the chic Santana Row/Valley Fair area to historic Japantown.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Houses
555,456
340,561
Average household size (people)
2.6
3.1
Median year apartment built
1980
1979
Median year house/condo built
1977
1973
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
15.6 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
322,881 (94.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
179,797 (55.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
143,084 (44.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$3,214
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$2,463
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$1,197,016
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
Over $1,000,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$753,788
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$680,453
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$688,625
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$240,963
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$219,865
$55,872
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$892,629
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
42
45
Renting percentage
51.7%
41.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,947.6
House value disparities
23.6%
21.2%
Household income disparities
42.3%
38.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$197,583
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$103,711
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
2,632 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
13,499 (10.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
124,224 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
346 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
16,249 (12.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
San Jose
One, detached
43.4%
50.9%
One, attached
9.9%
11.5%
Two
1.9%
1.1%
3 or 4
6.0%
5.0%
5 to 9
9.3%
5.1%
10 to 19
7.4%
4.5%
20 to 49
6.3%
4.5%
50 or more
14.6%
14.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
3.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
28,517
State government workers
29,438
10,222
Unpaid family workers
808
472
Industries and Occupations
San Jose, being the capital of Silicon Valley, is dominated by the tech industry, with many residents employed in high-tech jobs. In contrast, San Diego's industries are diverse, with a large military presence, extensive healthcare and biotech sectors, and a strong tourism industry.
Both cities offer excellent healthcare services. San Diego is renowned for its top-rated healthcare systems like UCSD Health, while San Jose is home to the highly-rated Stanford Health Care and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
San Jose
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego's infrastructure stands out with its robust freeways, international airport, and port catering to tourism and international trade. Conversely, San Jose’s infrastructure includes an international airport and light rail system, critically important to Silicon Valley's tech workers.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
San Jose
Hospitals
26
20
TV stations
13
9
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
255
145
Bank institutions located here
40
25
Main business address for public companies
92
74
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
21
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
San Jose
1999
3,865
3,839
2000
2,257
2,577
2001
1,754
1,953
2002
2,118
1,908
2003
5,074
3,578
2004
7,646
5,489
2005
8,409
6,994
2006
7,551
6,324
2007
5,741
4,298
2008
2,876
2,419
2009
1,675
1,631
Culture and Food
San Diego offers a rich cultural scene with an emphasis on outdoor events, festivals, and a thriving craft beer culture. Its Mexican-infused cuisine is well-renowned, particularly its fish tacos. San Jose offers a diverse cultural scene, highlighted by its tech-influenced lifestyle, and offers a mix of international cuisines owing to its diverse population.
Sports Teams
San Diego hosts the Padres (MLB), while also being a hotspot for water sports. Conversely, San Jose is home to the Sharks (NHL) and the Earthquakes (MLS), and close proximity to other Bay Area teams.
San Diego, CA
San Jose, CA
San Diego, CA and 
San Jose, CA : 411.2 miles
