This comparison examines the differences between living in San Jose, California, a vibrant large city, and Central Contra Costa County, a suburban region in California. Factors such as crime and safety rates, weather, cost of living, education, work opportunities, infrastructure, local industry, major employers, real estate conditions, neighborhood amenities, transportation, city and state taxes, cultural richness, sports teams, geographic conditions, and health care options are elaborated. Residents' needs and tourists' interests are the primary subjects of evaluation.
San Jose, being a big city, has a slightly higher crime rate than Central Contra Costa. However, policing and neighborhood watch programs are active and security is a priority. On the contrary, Central Contra Costa has a lower crime rate due to its suburban settings and smaller population. Tourists in both areas are advised to exercise routine safety precautions and awareness.
Cost of Living
Living in San Jose comes with a high cost of living, especially due to housing costs. Central Contra Costa, while not as high, is slightly above the national average. Both have higher healthcare and transportation costs compared to national averages.
Income Tax
Income tax rates are high in both San Jose and Central Contra Costa, adhering to California's progressive income tax structure with no city-level income taxes.
Property Tax
Both San Jose and Central Contra Costa have high property taxes compared to the national average, which funds local public services like education.
Sales Tax
San Jose and Central Contra Costa both fall under California's high sales tax rate. San Jose has an additional city sales tax.
Income
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
139.1
If you make $50,000 in San Jose, you will have to make $54,592 in Central Contra Costa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose, located in the Santa Clara Valley, enjoys a beautiful landscape with flatlands, hills, and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Central Contra Costa, nestled in Mt. Diablo's foothills, boasts scenic landscapes offering numerous outdoor activities.
Geographical information
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Land area
174.9 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
5,624.3 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
San Jose, CA Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
San Jose boasts notable schools and universities, such as San Jose State University. Central Contra Costa also has good schools, with smaller class sizes. Both regions emphasize education and provide opportunities for advancements.
San Jose's economy is robust and driven by the tech industry, as it's part of Silicon Valley. In contrast, Central Contra Costa's economy is diverse, with sectors such as healthcare, retail, and education leading.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, Google, Apple, and Adobe are among the biggest employers. Central Contra Costa's largest employers include John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
2020
72.7%
71.8%
25.2%
26.4%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
72.7%
67.5%
20.6%
24.5%
6.7%
8.0%
2012
70.0%
66.2%
27.1%
31.1%
2.9%
2.7%
2008
69.6%
68.0%
28.6%
30.2%
1.8%
1.8%
2004
64.3%
62.6%
34.8%
36.7%
0.9%
0.7%
2000
60.7%
59.0%
34.4%
37.2%
4.9%
3.8%
1996
56.9%
55.7%
32.2%
35.2%
11.0%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
21.8%
6.0%
5.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
1.0%
1.8%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.3%
7.7%
10.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.3%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.3%
2.0%
Weather
Both San Jose and Central Contra Costa experience typical Californian weather—moderate temperatures year-round, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wet winters. San Jose enjoys more sunshine and less rain than Central Contra Costa, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
2018
94
105
0.49
0.32
14.5
6.9
22.2
22.1
0.006
0.012
12.5
13.3
0.2
0.6
2017
91
102
0.50
0.30
14.6
7.0
23.5
25.9
0.004
0.008
10.2
11.9
0.2
0.7
2016
69
86
0.47
0.28
13.7
6.5
22.4
25.2
0.003
0.005
8.8
6.5
0.2
0.8
2015
84
94
0.52
0.34
15.4
7.6
22.3
25.8
0.004
0.004
9.2
8.8
0.3
0.5
2014
83
95
0.40
0.35
13.9
7.8
21.5
25.2
0.004
0.005
8.2
6.9
0.2
0.5
2013
90
93
0.41
0.34
15.2
9.3
20.8
21.5
0.005
0.004
12.4
7.8
0.3
0.5
2012
74
93
0.35
0.32
13.3
8.5
21.8
25.2
0.003
0.003
10.1
8.3
0.3
0.3
2011
83
99
0.37
0.35
14.8
9.0
20.6
23.0
0.003
0.003
12.3
9.8
0.3
0.6
2010
88
93
0.35
0.31
14.4
8.6
20.4
23.2
0.004
0.014
9.0
8.5
0.4
0.5
2009
89
104
0.40
0.31
14.7
9.5
18.2
23.7
0.004
0.006
9.3
10.3
0.3
0.6
2008
100
120
0.45
0.36
16.7
10.2
20.6
26.1
N/A
0.006
12.6
12.1
N/A
0.8
2007
92
104
0.44
0.36
16.6
10.7
20.0
24.1
0.009
0.006
11.1
9.7
N/A
0.7
2006
100
109
0.46
0.39
18.0
10.9
21.8
26.0
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.1
N/A
0.8
2005
95
104
0.68
0.43
18.6
11.6
20.0
22.7
N/A
N/A
11.6
10.4
N/A
1.0
2004
98
112
0.63
0.46
18.5
12.4
20.4
22.6
N/A
0.004
9.9
11.9
N/A
1.1
2003
87
84
0.73
0.51
20.6
13.4
19.1
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2002
78
88
0.65
0.51
19.5
14.7
18.0
23.3
0.006
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
2001
75
90
0.61
0.56
18.5
15.4
16.8
22.1
0.008
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2000
65
95
0.66
0.67
18.9
15.9
15.6
20.8
0.009
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
18%
Transportation
San Jose has extensive transportation networks, including highways, buses, and light rail systems suitable for both residents and tourists. Central Contra Costa, with suburban settings, is best navigated by car. However, it offers county-provided buses and convenient access to the BART system.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
1%
0.5%
Bus
1.1%
1%
Carpooled
11.4%
9.9%
Car alone
80.5%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.8%
Subway
0.2%
7.7%
Walked
3.3%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Average
29.2 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
San Jose's real estate market is highly competitive and expensive, driven by high demand and proximity to tech giants. Central Contra Costa is more affordable, but still above the national average.
Neighborhoods
San Jose offers a range of neighborhoods, from eclectic downtown to peaceful suburbs, catering to diverse lifestyles. Central Contra Costa is primarily residential, providing a peaceful and community-oriented living environment.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
Houses
340,561
183,777
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.5
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.5
Renting percentage
41.5%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
703.4
Household income disparities
38.3%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
22,217
State government workers
10,222
6,705
Unpaid family workers
472
617
Industries and Occupations
San Jose's major industries are IT, manufacturing, and finance. Central Contra Costa sees industries like healthcare, education, and public administration. Both regions cater to a wide array of professionals and job seekers.
Both San Jose and Central Contra Costa provide high-quality healthcare services, with renowned hospitals and medical practitioners. However, healthcare can be expensive compared to national averages.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose offers more advanced infrastructure than Central Contra Costa due to its urban nature. It includes modern buildings, advanced technologies, and large projects like the San Jose International Airport. Central Contra Costa, while not as developed, has necessary facilities to sustain its suburban life.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
9
24
Culture and Food
San Jose is culturally vibrant, with a diverse food scene, museums, art galleries, and festivals. Central Contra Costa, although more suburban, also boasts a rich culinary scene and a thriving community spirit.
Sports Teams
San Jose is home to NHL's San Jose Sharks and MLS' San Jose Earthquakes, attracting sports enthusiasts. Central Contra Costa lacks major sports teams but supports local school and community sports fervently.
San Jose, CA
Central Contra Costa, CA
San Jose, CA and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 43.5 miles
