Comparing San Jose, California with Louisville, Kentucky presents a study of contrasts. These dynamically distinct cities offer diverse living experiences across multiple parameters like crime/safety, weather, and cost of living, among others. The tech-industry dominated San Jose is located in the heart of Silicon Valley while Louisville is steeped in southern charm and history. Both are attractive destinations for relocation or a holiday visit, each with its unique benefits and potential challenges.
San Jose, CA has a higher crime rate compared to Louisville, KY. Although it's considered safer than most cities in California, it may not feel as secure as Louisville. However, the crime rates in both cities primarily depend on the neighborhood. San Jose stands out for its robust law enforcement services powered by advanced technology. Meanwhile, Louisville has community-oriented policing initiatives, focusing on fostering strong relationships between the police and the community.
Cost of Living
Living in San Jose is significantly more expensive than in Louisville. Housing costs are a primary factor that makes San Jose one of the nation's most expensive cities. Conversely, Louisville offers a much lower cost of living with affordable housing options, which is a compelling factor for those considering relocation.
Income Tax
California has a higher state income tax rate than Kentucky, which is reflected in San Jose's taxes as well. Louisville's income tax, similar to the rest of Kentucky, is lower, which can be beneficial to those with lower incomes.
Property Tax
Property tax in San Jose is higher due to the high property values in California, particularly in the Bay Area. Louisville's property taxes are substantially lower, reflecting the lower cost of property in Kentucky.
Sales Tax
California has a higher state sales tax than Kentucky. San Jose also has a local city sales tax, increasing the overall rate further. Louisville has no city sales tax, making the overall sales tax less than in San Jose.
Income
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$44,270
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$29,894
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
94.1
If you make $50,000 in Louisville, you will have to make $67,694 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose sits in Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco Bay, characterized by flat land and low mountains. It's close to beautiful beaches, mountains, and redwood forests, providing great outdoor opportunities. Louisville is situated on the Ohio River at the Indiana border. Its Midwestern landscapes comprise gentle rolling hills, bluegrass meadows, and a sizable waterfront park system.
Both cities offer quality education, but they do so differently. San Jose, being in the midst of Silicon Valley, offers esteemed educational institutions like San Jose State University and has many options for tech-focused education. Louisville offers a rich selection of educational institutions, including the University of Louisville, and is known for its focus on liberal arts.
San Jose's economy is tech-driven with a host of opportunities in the IT sector. It's home to many tech giants, with high average salaries. Louisville has a diverse economy with job opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. It retains a more traditional economic structure, reflected in its median income levels, which are lower than in San Jose.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the biggest employers include the likes of Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe. Louisville, on the other hand, is home to the headquarters of global shipping giant UPS, health insurance company Humana, and whiskey producer Brown-Forman.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 47 building permits issued in Louisville in 2012 (47 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 Louisville (Jefferson County), 55.0% voted for Democrats and 43.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
2020
72.7%
59.2%
25.2%
39.1%
2.1%
1.7%
2016
72.7%
54.1%
20.6%
40.8%
6.7%
5.2%
2012
70.0%
55.0%
27.1%
43.8%
2.9%
1.2%
2008
69.6%
55.6%
28.6%
43.5%
1.8%
0.9%
2004
64.3%
50.6%
34.8%
48.9%
0.9%
0.5%
2000
60.7%
49.8%
34.4%
48.2%
4.9%
2.0%
1996
56.9%
51.5%
32.2%
41.0%
11.0%
7.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
16.3%
6.0%
8.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.9%
1.8%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
14.3%
7.7%
25.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
2.3%
2.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
2.3%
1.6%
Weather
San Jose boasts a Mediterranean climate - mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In contrast, Louisville experiences a humid subtropical climate featuring four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cool winters. The pleasant California weather year-round can be appealing for outdoor enthusiasts relocating or visiting San Jose.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
56.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
73.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
43.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
31.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
15.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
59.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
25%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
41%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.4 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Louisville, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
San Jose
Louisville
2018
94
89
0.49
0.27
14.5
11.9
22.2
25.5
0.006
N/A
18.2
N/A
12.5
9.7
0.2
0.8
2017
91
77
0.50
0.27
14.6
12.2
23.5
26.5
0.004
N/A
17.3
N/A
10.2
9.2
0.2
0.6
2016
69
91
0.47
0.30
13.7
11.6
22.4
26.7
0.003
N/A
15.9
N/A
8.8
9.0
0.2
0.6
2015
84
92
0.52
0.31
15.4
12.3
22.3
25.4
0.004
N/A
17.4
N/A
9.2
10.7
0.3
1.0
2014
83
92
0.40
0.32
13.9
12.8
21.5
26.1
0.004
N/A
18.3
N/A
8.2
12.0
0.2
2.0
2013
90
83
0.41
N/A
15.2
N/A
20.8
27.8
0.005
N/A
16.9
N/A
12.4
12.0
0.3
2.1
2012
74
102
0.35
N/A
13.3
N/A
21.8
26.2
0.003
N/A
19.2
N/A
10.1
12.7
0.3
2.6
2011
83
111
0.37
N/A
14.8
N/A
20.6
26.9
0.003
N/A
19.7
N/A
12.3
13.3
0.3
3.1
2010
88
109
0.35
N/A
14.4
N/A
20.4
27.3
0.004
N/A
21.7
N/A
9.0
13.2
0.4
3.1
2009
89
90
0.40
N/A
14.7
13.6
18.2
27.5
0.004
N/A
18.9
N/A
9.3
13.4
0.3
3.1
2008
100
101
0.45
0.35
16.7
15.5
20.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.6
15.0
N/A
4.3
2007
92
111
0.44
0.44
16.6
15.9
20.0
32.0
0.009
N/A
24.0
N/A
11.1
14.8
N/A
5.9
2006
100
80
0.46
0.66
18.0
15.2
21.8
26.5
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
11.1
N/A
N/A
3.7
2005
95
86
0.68
0.39
18.6
16.9
20.0
27.4
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
11.6
N/A
N/A
4.1
2004
98
77
0.63
0.36
18.5
16.8
20.4
26.2
N/A
N/A
22.3
N/A
9.9
N/A
N/A
4.6
2003
87
83
0.73
0.46
20.6
17.9
19.1
24.6
N/A
N/A
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
2002
78
95
0.65
0.49
19.5
17.6
18.0
27.2
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2001
75
95
0.61
0.56
18.5
18.2
16.8
28.3
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
2000
65
103
0.66
0.53
18.9
15.7
15.6
27.8
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
165.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
213%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
17%
Transportation
San Jose offers more options for public transit, including light-rail, buses, and bike-sharing programs. Commuting can still be a challenge during peak hours due to highway congestion. Louisville relies more on cars, with less extensive public transit, but shorter average commute times thanks to less congestion.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
655
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Bicycle
1%
0.4%
Bus
1.1%
6.7%
Carpooled
11.4%
12.6%
Car alone
80.5%
73.5%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
4.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Average
29.2 min
21.1 min
Real Estate
San Jose has a highly competitive real estate market, with high prices reflecting the strong demand. On the other hand, Louisville's real estate market is much more relaxed, with more affordable prices.
Neighborhoods
San Jose, a sprawling city, is divided into numerous diverse neighborhoods, like the historic Rose Garden or upscale Willow Glen, each offering distinct living experiences. Louisville's neighborhoods, meanwhile, are steeped in history and southern charm, like the trendy Highlands or the historic Old Louisville.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Houses
340,561
121,107
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.2
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
111,354 (91.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
58,481 (52.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
52,873 (47.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$753.66
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$198,186
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$180,781
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.5
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,949.6
Household income disparities
38.3%
50.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
19,560 (37%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
121 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
33,359 (63%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
4,661 (8.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
4,100 (7.7%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
5,520
State government workers
10,222
5,067
Unpaid family workers
472
295
Industries and Occupations
San Jose is dominated by high-tech industry, with many residents working in tech jobs and related supporting industries. Louisville, however, is more diversified, with healthcare, shipping, and tourism being major industries.
San Jose offers some of the best healthcare services in California with an abundance of high-quality health facilities. Louisville is a pioneer in health insurance and medical breakthroughs such as the first successful hand transplant, featuring excellent healthcare systems.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Louisville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose boasts modern infrastructure, with a tech-driven city layout, including high-speed internet connectivity practically everywhere. Louisville, with its southern charm, has infrastructure that mixes modern with historic – featuring many well-preserved historic buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Louisville
Hospitals
20
20
TV stations
9
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
145
255
Bank institutions located here
25
25
Main business address for public companies
74
31
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Louisville
1999
3,839
879
2000
2,577
799
2001
1,953
535
2002
1,908
490
2003
3,578
639
2004
5,489
881
2005
6,994
1,116
2006
6,324
1,037
2007
4,298
685
2008
2,419
397
2009
1,631
253
Culture and Food
San Jose's multicultural environment brings together a wide range of cuisines, arts, and cultural experiences. Its proximity to other cultural hotspots in California enhances the options. Louisville offers a rich cultural scene marked by its distinctive Southern hospitality, Bourbon heritage, and vibrant foodie scene featuring local delicacies like the Hot Brown sandwich.
Sports Teams
San Jose cheers for its home teams like the San Jose Sharks (NHL), and it's a short drive from teams like the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and Golden State Warriors (NBA). Louisville doesn't have any major league teams but is home to the highly followed University of Louisville Cardinals and is renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby.
San Jose, CA
Louisville, KY
San Jose, CA and 
Louisville, KY : 1,961.4 miles
