San Jose, California and Boston, Massachusetts both offer unique advantages and disadvantages for individuals looking to relocate or for tourists. Each city has its own distinct personality, with a variety of factors ranging from weather, cost of living, education, job opportunities, and cultural activities painting a diverse picture of life in these cities. Analyzing aspects such as crime and safety, the economy, infrastructure, and healthcare can offer insights into what it means to live in or visit these vibrant cities.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Boston, MA : 2,677.2 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 50%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Boston has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) during that time.
When comparing Boston and San Jose, both have crime rates that align relatively closely with national averages. However, Boston's violent crime rate is higher than San Jose's, although property crimes are less prevalent. This makes San Jose appear safer on the surface, but it is important to remember that safety can vary by neighborhood and personal perspective. Tourists in either city are advised to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions, especially in high-traffic areas.
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 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 331 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Boston is 2,033 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Jose than that in Boston.
Cost of Living
San Jose is one of the most expensive cities in America, significantly more so than Boston. This is largely due to high housing prices driven by the tech boom in Silicon Valley. Everything from groceries to utilities is pricier in San Jose. However, higher salaries in tech and other industries can offset the high cost of living for some residents.
Income Tax
California's state income tax ranges from 1% to 12.3%, while Massachusetts has a flat rate of 5%. Depending on one's income, an individual could end up paying more in income tax in San Jose than in Boston.
Property Tax
While property values are higher in San Jose, California actually has a lower property tax rate (0.77%) than Massachusetts (1.13%). Therefore, depending on the value of one's home, property taxes may not be significantly higher in San Jose compared to Boston.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax, at 7.25%, is higher than Massachusetts' 6.25%. However, San Jose adds an additional 1.25% for a total sales tax of 8.5%. Boston has no additional city sales tax, so its rate remains at the 6.25% set by the state.
Income
Type
San Jose
Boston
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$79,283
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$50,337
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
143.8
If you make $50,000 in San Jose, you will have to make $56,436 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is situated in a valley between mountain ranges and enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year. In contrast, Boston sits on the east coast and has a natural harbor, with a cooler, wetter climate. Both locales provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and beach trips.
Both cities have strong education systems. Boston is renowned for its universities such as Harvard and MIT, making it an academic hub. San Jose, with universities like San Jose State University, offers strong tech-oriented education aligned with Silicon Valley's needs. Public and private primary and secondary schools in both cities also have high ratings.
San Jose is at the heart of Silicon Valley and thus a tech job hub with high-paying opportunities but also high competition. Boston’s economy is diverse, with education, healthcare, and finance making up significant portions. Both cities have strong job markets, but San Jose's higher cost of living requires a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in San Jose are primarily tech companies, with Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems among the top. Conversely, Boston's major employers span sectors such as healthcare and education, with Partners Healthcare, Boston University, and Boston Public Schools numbering among the city's biggest employers.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
2020
72.7%
80.6%
25.2%
17.5%
2.1%
1.9%
2016
72.7%
78.5%
20.6%
16.1%
6.7%
5.4%
2012
70.0%
77.4%
27.1%
20.8%
2.9%
1.8%
2008
69.6%
76.9%
28.6%
21.2%
1.8%
1.8%
2004
64.3%
75.9%
34.8%
22.8%
0.9%
1.3%
2000
60.7%
71.5%
34.4%
20.5%
4.9%
8.0%
1996
56.9%
73.0%
32.2%
19.9%
11.0%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
46.1%
6.0%
12.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
1.1%
1.8%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.6%
7.7%
6.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
1.0%
2.3%
4.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.6%
4.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.0%
2.3%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.2%
1.1%
8.9%
Weather
The climates of Boston and San Jose vary dramatically. Boston experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. San Jose, meanwhile, has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This difference can play a massive role for those considering relocation or planning a tourist visit, as Boston's weather changes may require more preparation and adjustment.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Boston
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
50.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
69.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
23.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
78%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
88.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
16.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
48%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
San Jose
Boston
San Jose
Boston
2018
94
76
0.49
0.24
14.5
12.3
22.2
26.1
0.006
N/A
12.5
9.2
0.2
0.5
2017
91
83
0.50
0.26
14.6
12.5
23.5
26.4
0.004
N/A
10.2
8.9
0.2
0.6
2016
69
75
0.47
0.27
13.7
14.1
22.4
24.4
0.003
N/A
8.8
7.4
0.2
0.5
2015
84
81
0.52
0.30
15.4
15.7
22.3
23.4
0.004
N/A
9.2
8.9
0.3
0.8
2014
83
76
0.40
0.30
13.9
14.0
21.5
24.5
0.004
N/A
8.2
9.3
0.2
1.2
2013
90
86
0.41
0.30
15.2
13.5
20.8
26.2
0.005
N/A
12.4
9.8
0.3
1.3
2012
74
89
0.35
0.29
13.3
11.8
21.8
23.5
0.003
N/A
10.1
9.5
0.3
1.4
2011
83
87
0.37
0.30
14.8
14.8
20.6
24.2
0.003
N/A
12.3
10.5
0.3
1.6
2010
88
92
0.35
0.26
14.4
13.8
20.4
25.0
0.004
N/A
9.0
10.0
0.4
2.3
2009
89
86
0.40
0.32
14.7
15.3
18.2
23.5
0.004
N/A
9.3
9.7
0.3
2.4
2008
100
96
0.45
0.26
16.7
16.6
20.6
22.9
N/A
N/A
12.6
12.4
N/A
3.8
2007
92
124
0.44
0.28
16.6
18.5
20.0
19.9
0.009
N/A
11.1
13.9
N/A
4.0
2006
100
103
0.46
0.38
18.0
15.8
21.8
20.9
N/A
N/A
11.1
12.5
N/A
3.5
2005
95
115
0.68
0.28
18.6
17.0
20.0
22.1
N/A
N/A
11.6
12.7
N/A
4.3
2004
98
104
0.63
0.26
18.5
15.6
20.4
22.5
N/A
N/A
9.9
13.7
N/A
4.6
2003
87
116
0.73
0.55
20.6
20.1
19.1
22.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.2
2002
78
130
0.65
0.35
19.5
19.8
18.0
21.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
5.0
2001
75
112
0.61
0.44
18.5
19.9
16.8
20.7
0.008
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
5.9
2000
65
88
0.66
0.57
18.9
18.8
15.6
19.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
5.6
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Boston
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
55.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
26.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
33%
Transportation
Commuting is a vastly different experience in the two cities. Boston's compact nature and well-established public transit system, the MBTA, allow for an easier commute without reliance on a car. San Jose, being a more spread-out city, relies heavily on freeways and cars, and while public transit is available, usage is less widespread than Boston.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Boston
Amtrak stations
1
3
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
224
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Boston
Bicycle
1%
1.7%
Bus
1.1%
7.1%
Carpooled
11.4%
6.8%
Car alone
80.5%
54.7%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.5%
Streetcar
0%
13.5%
Subway
0.2%
3.2%
Taxicab
0%
0.4%
Walked
3.3%
10%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Boston
Average
29.2 min
38.6 min
Other means
27.9 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
38.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Boston
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.7%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate markets in both San Jose and Boston are robust, but San Jose is significantly pricier. The median home price in San Jose is more than double Boston's, partially due to the high incomes and demand within Silicon Valley. Boston, meanwhile, offers more affordable housing options, particularly in outlying neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.
Neighborhoods
San Jose offers a more suburban environment with its neighborhoods, which can be appealing for families. Boston, meanwhile, offers a selection of diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Beacon Hill to the artsy flair of the South End, offering cultural richness and walkability.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Boston
Houses
340,561
307,025
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1979
1957
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
14.6 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
271,941 (88.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
94,497 (34.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
177,444 (65.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$2,632
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,883
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$1,040,328
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$659,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.4
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$683,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$639,493
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$745,440
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$986,433
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$117,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$793,380
Median house age
45
73
Renting percentage
41.5%
66.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
6,340.1
House value disparities
21.2%
23.5%
Household income disparities
38.3%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$138,364
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$97,179
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
1,250 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
7,686 (11.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
67,144 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
218 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
9,540 (13.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Boston
One, detached
50.9%
12.0%
One, attached
11.5%
6.4%
Two
1.1%
11.9%
3 or 4
5.0%
24.1%
5 to 9
5.1%
11.2%
10 to 19
4.5%
7.2%
20 to 49
4.5%
8.0%
50 or more
14.2%
19.0%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
11,605
State government workers
10,222
12,810
Unpaid family workers
472
303
Industries and Occupations
San Jose is dominated by the tech industry, employing a sizable portion of its populace. Top companies include Apple and Google. Boston, on the other hand, offers a more diverse mix of industries, with education, healthcare, and finance leading the way. Top employers include Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University.
Boston is a major hub for healthcare and boasts world-class hospitals such as Massachusetts General and Boston Children's. San Jose's healthcare system is also strong and includes notable hospitals like Stanford and Kaiser Permanente.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Boston
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose is sprawling and suburban, requiring a car for most commutes, while Boston’s compact design allows for more walkability and public transportation use. For tourists, Boston's dense population offers more attractions within a smaller area, making it easier to explore on foot or by public transit.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Boston
Hospitals
20
22
TV stations
9
22
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
145
146
Bank institutions located here
25
37
Main business address for public companies
74
60
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Boston
1999
3,839
1,237
2000
2,577
1,140
2001
1,953
947
2002
1,908
975
2003
3,578
1,536
2004
5,489
2,273
2005
6,994
3,225
2006
6,324
3,567
2007
4,298
2,652
2008
2,419
1,372
2009
1,631
910
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural experiences and a diverse array of cuisines. San Jose, with its tech boom, enjoys a modern, forward-thinking culture with a mixed culinary scene that reflects its status as a melting pot of cultures. As one of America's oldest cities, Boston boasts a deep historical heritage, with New England seafood and Italian cuisine particularly prominent.
Sports Teams
San Jose and Boston are both sports-centric cities. San Jose is home to the Sharks (NHL), the Earthquakes (MLS), while nearby teams like the 49ers (NFL) and Golden State Warriors (NBA) garner local support. Boston has a deep sports culture with the Celtics (NBA), Red Sox (MLB), Bruins (NHL), and Patriots (NFL).
San Jose, CA
Boston, MA
San Jose, CA and 
Boston, MA : 2,677.2 miles
