San Jose, CA and Detroit, MI are two major U.S. cities with their own unique attributes and challenges. When it comes to relocating or visiting, it is important to understand the differences and similarities between them. The following comparison focuses on key elements such as crime & safety, cost of living, education, infrastructure, industries and occupations, and various other factors to provide a well-rounded view of what it means to live or visit these cities.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Detroit, MI : 2,068.0 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 56%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Detroit has decreased by 318,806 people (33.5%) during that time.
San Jose, CA has a lower crime rate than Detroit, MI, with significant differences in both violent and property crime rates. Detroit has been historically known for its high crime rate although efforts are ongoing to improve security. Both cities have well-established police departments dedicated to maintaining public safety. However, it's always important to stay observant and careful, especially in unfamiliar 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 3,446 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Detroit is 195 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in San Jose than in Detroit.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, Detroit is significantly cheaper than San Jose. Housing costs in San Jose are particularly high due to its proximity to Silicon Valley and the high demand for homes. Groceries, transportation and personal care items also tend to cost more in San Jose.
Income Tax
Tax structure varies with California having a progressive income tax with a top marginal rate of 13.3%, whereas Michigan follows a flat income tax system, with a rate of 4.25%.
Property Tax
San Jose, due to its high property values, has higher property taxes in nominal terms but the rate is lower compared to Detroit. On the other hand, Detroit has substantially lower property values, but the tax rate is higher comparatively.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in California (San Jose) is higher than in Michigan (Detroit). San Jose has a sales tax of 9.25%, while Detroit's is at 6%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$36,140
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$22,122
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Detroit, you will have to make $67,694 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is located in a beautiful part of California with a coastal mountain range to its west and the San Francisco Bay to its east. Meanwhile, Detroit sits along the Detroit River and is situated on relatively flat terrain.
Both San Jose and Detroit have access to a wide array of educational resources. San Jose is home to several top-ranked institutions like San Jose State University and is near several prestigious universities like Stanford. Detroit, while it has undergone educational reform, has Wayne State University and is home to some innovative charter schools and private institutions.
San Jose's economy is driven by technology, with San Jose considered the capital of Silicon Valley. Tech jobs are plentiful, and these roles typically offer high salaries. Detroit’s economy historically relied on manufacturing, specifically the auto industry. However, it's currently undergoing an economic revival, with increasing opportunities in healthcare, technology, and green energy sectors.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, some of the biggest employers are tech giants such as Apple, Google, and Cisco Systems. In contrast, in Detroit, General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler are historically the biggest employers, with the Henry Ford Health System and Detroit Medical Center becoming significant employers in recent years.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 10 building permits issued in Detroit in 2012 (8 less than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Detroit (Wayne County), 73.1% voted for Democrats and 26.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
2020
72.7%
68.6%
25.2%
30.4%
2.1%
1.0%
2016
72.7%
66.6%
20.6%
29.4%
6.7%
4.0%
2012
70.0%
73.1%
27.1%
26.2%
2.9%
0.6%
2008
69.6%
74.4%
28.6%
24.7%
1.8%
0.9%
2004
64.3%
69.7%
34.8%
29.9%
0.9%
0.4%
2000
60.7%
69.1%
34.4%
29.1%
4.9%
1.8%
1996
56.9%
69.0%
32.2%
24.0%
11.0%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
16.3%
6.0%
11.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
3.7%
1.8%
2.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
0.4%
7.7%
3.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.3%
2.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.6%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.7%
2.3%
2.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
1.2%
1.4%
3.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.5%
1.1%
2.4%
Weather
San Jose's weather is typically warm and sunny throughout the year with mild winters, making it a desirable location for those who enjoy sunny days. Detroit experiences four distinct seasons, with bitterly cold winters and warm, humid summers. For those used to milder climates, Detroit's weather might be a challenge, while those who enjoy the sun would be pleased living or visiting San Jose.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
50°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
75.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
33.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
86.5 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
12.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
56.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
38%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
31%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.2 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Detroit, Michigan
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
San Jose
Detroit
2018
94
90
0.49
0.44
14.5
12.9
22.2
25.8
0.006
N/A
12.5
10.1
0.2
1.1
2017
91
87
0.50
0.56
14.6
12.7
23.5
20.9
0.004
N/A
10.2
10.1
0.2
1.3
2016
69
86
0.47
0.47
13.7
13.2
22.4
22.0
0.003
N/A
8.8
10.9
0.2
0.8
2015
84
95
0.52
0.49
15.4
14.8
22.3
26.5
0.004
N/A
9.2
11.9
0.3
1.2
2014
83
95
0.40
0.48
13.9
14.2
21.5
24.2
0.004
N/A
8.2
12.0
0.2
1.7
2013
90
80
0.41
0.53
15.2
14.4
20.8
24.5
0.005
N/A
12.4
11.0
0.3
1.3
2012
74
99
0.35
0.49
13.3
14.6
21.8
25.7
0.003
N/A
10.1
6.6
0.3
1.7
2011
83
94
0.37
0.32
14.8
12.9
20.6
24.3
0.003
N/A
12.3
6.5
0.3
1.6
2010
88
96
0.35
0.28
14.4
11.8
20.4
24.7
0.004
0.006
9.0
12.1
0.4
1.6
2009
89
68
0.40
0.27
14.7
12.7
18.2
23.4
0.004
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.3
1.9
2008
100
67
0.45
0.27
16.7
12.8
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.6
N/A
N/A
2.0
2007
92
81
0.44
0.29
16.6
13.7
20.0
25.8
0.009
0.017
11.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
100
63
0.46
0.31
18.0
14.0
21.8
19.8
N/A
0.022
11.1
N/A
N/A
3.2
2005
95
83
0.68
0.36
18.6
17.4
20.0
22.6
N/A
0.019
11.6
N/A
N/A
4.0
2004
98
70
0.63
0.43
18.5
15.0
20.4
N/A
N/A
0.014
9.9
N/A
N/A
3.7
2003
87
86
0.73
0.40
20.6
18.5
19.1
N/A
N/A
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.8
2002
78
88
0.65
0.36
19.5
18.3
18.0
N/A
0.006
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
2001
75
83
0.61
0.36
18.5
19.0
16.8
N/A
0.008
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2000
65
71
0.66
0.35
18.9
18.2
15.6
N/A
0.009
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
128.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
53.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
14%
Transportation
San Jose boasts an efficient Public Transit system with the VTA light rail and buses. Meanwhile, Detroit is car-centric, though efforts are there to improve public transit with options like the QLine streetcar and DDOT buses.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
93
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Bicycle
1%
0.5%
Bus
1.1%
4%
Carpooled
11.4%
7.5%
Car alone
80.5%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.5%
Walked
3.3%
2.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Average
29.2 min
30.6 min
Other means
27.9 min
26 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
47.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
87.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
10.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Jose is robust and expensive, backed by the steady high demand. In Detroit, following economic hardships, the real estate market has been on the rise lately, offering more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a mix of neighborhoods with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In San Jose, Willow Glen is known for its charm, while in Detroit, areas like Midtown and Greektown are popular for their cultural offerings.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Houses
340,561
322,906
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.6
Median year apartment built
1979
1953
Median year house/condo built
1973
1946
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
16.7 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
251,729 (78%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
129,084 (51.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
122,645 (48.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$798.06
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$755
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$86,452
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$69,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$96,752
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$72,631
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$183,952
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$242,851
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$43,864
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$128,652
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$101,554
Median house age
45
74
Renting percentage
41.5%
48.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
2,326.9
House value disparities
21.2%
48.4%
Household income disparities
38.3%
49.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$61,259
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$38,901
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
2,599 (5.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
2,270 (4.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
43,675 (94.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
357 (0.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
3,466 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
17.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
13.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Detroit
One, detached
50.9%
66.0%
One, attached
11.5%
6.1%
Two
1.1%
6.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
2.7%
5 to 9
5.1%
2.2%
10 to 19
4.5%
2.7%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.9%
50 or more
14.2%
9.4%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.5%
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
11,725
State government workers
10,222
8,763
Unpaid family workers
472
441
Industries and Occupations
San Jose's job landscape is dominated by high-tech industries, offering high-paying tech jobs. Detroit, on the other hand, is still known for its auto industry, but jobs in healthcare, education, and tech are increasingly popular.
San Jose has a robust healthcare landscape with well-respected medical facilities like Stanford Health Care. Detroit also offers excellent healthcare with the Detroit Medical Center and the Henry Ford Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Detroit
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructure, with San Jose providing modern services and conveniences as befits a city in Silicon Valley. Detroit's infrastructure has been challenged by economical shifts but have seen recent improvements and major projects aimed at revitalization.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Detroit
Hospitals
20
41
TV stations
9
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
145
98
Bank institutions located here
25
12
Main business address for public companies
74
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Detroit
1999
3,839
2,901
2000
2,577
4,079
2001
1,953
3,815
2002
1,908
3,247
2003
3,578
5,511
2004
5,489
9,068
2005
6,994
13,958
2006
6,324
16,654
2007
4,298
10,742
2008
2,419
2,823
2009
1,631
484
Culture and Food
San Jose boasts a multicultural environment with a rich food culture, featuring fine dining and ethnic cuisine. Detroit is known for its robust music history, arts scene and iconic regional foods like Detroit-style pizza.
Sports Teams
San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks (NHL), while Detroit is home to four major sports teams; Detroit Lions (NFL), Detroit Pistons (NBA), Detroit Red Wings (NHL), and the Detroit Tigers (MLB).
San Jose, CA
Detroit, MI
San Jose, CA and 
Detroit, MI : 2,068.0 miles
