San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and Oakland, situated in the Bay Area, are two vibrant Californian cities that offer distinctly different living and visiting experiences. When deciding between living in the tech hub of San Jose and the culturally-rich city of Oakland, comparing factors such as crime rate, weather, economy, and cost of living are essential. Here, we will explore a detailed comparison between these two cities on an array of headings from crime to geography, and from sports teams to health care.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Oakland, CA : 39.1 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 127%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Oakland has grown by 34,339 people (8.6%) during that time.
San Jose generally has a lower crime rate compared to Oakland. Oakland has struggled with high crime rates, particularly violent crime rates, although recent years have seen a decrease. Many neighborhoods in Oakland are part of a community-policing program, emphasizing partnerships between police and community. On the other hand, San Jose enjoys a safer reputation, although the crime rate can vary between neighborhoods. It's essential to research specific areas when considering relocation.
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 916 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Oakland is 459 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Jose is near to than in Oakland.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is higher than in Oakland. This fact is largely due to the housing market that is influenced by the tech-based economy. Expenses such as groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also typically more in San Jose than in Oakland.
Income Tax
For income tax, both cities follow California's state income tax rules. The marginal tax rate in the state of California ranges from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income level. There are no additional city-level income taxes in either Oakland or San Jose.
Property Tax
In terms of property tax, both cities follow the state guidelines enacted under Proposition 13, which limits the property tax rate to 1% of the assessed value of the property at the time of purchase. Property taxes can increase by no more than 2% per year unless the property is resold or improved.
Sales Tax
California’s state sales tax applies in both cities, which is currently 7.25%. However, both Oakland and San Jose impose additional local sales taxes. In Oakland, the total sales tax rate is currently 9.25%, whereas in San Jose, it is 9.00%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$82,236
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$49,966
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
126.7
If you make $50,000 in Oakland, you will have to make $50,276 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is situated in the Santa Clara Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Oakland, located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay, offers waterfront views and access to water-related activities.
Both cities have access to high-quality education institutions. San Jose, being close to Stanford University and hosting San Jose State University, has a strong emphasis on tech-related education. Oakland, on the other hand, offers a diverse educational environment with multiple charter schools, magnet programs, and specialized schools. The city is also in proximity to the University of California, Berkeley.
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley and a global tech hub, with many residents employed in the tech industry. The city boasts a low unemployment rate. Oakland, however, has a more diversified economy, with sectors like healthcare, retail, education, and arts playing a significant role. The unemployment rate in Oakland is slightly higher than San Jose.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the biggest employers are tech giants like Apple, Google, Cisco Systems, and eBay. In contrast, Oakland's major employers are in the public sector - the city of Oakland and the Oakland Unified School District, followed by private sector healthcare providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 114 building permits issued in Oakland in 2012 (73 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 Oakland (Alameda County), 78.9% voted for Democrats and 18.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
2020
72.7%
79.8%
25.2%
17.6%
2.1%
2.6%
2016
72.7%
78.2%
20.6%
14.6%
6.7%
7.2%
2012
70.0%
78.9%
27.1%
18.2%
2.9%
3.0%
2008
69.6%
78.8%
28.6%
19.3%
1.8%
2.0%
2004
64.3%
75.5%
34.8%
23.4%
0.9%
1.1%
2000
60.7%
69.6%
34.4%
24.2%
4.9%
6.2%
1996
56.9%
65.8%
32.2%
23.1%
11.0%
11.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
15.3%
6.0%
4.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
2.0%
1.8%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.5%
7.7%
10.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
2.3%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
2.3%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
1.1%
2.5%
Weather
Both San Jose and Oakland enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, San Jose tends to have more sunny days, with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, compared to Oakland's 260. On the other hand, Oakland's proximity to the Pacific Ocean results in cooler and foggy mornings and evenings.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
84.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
90.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
61.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
23.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
26.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
55%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Oakland, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
San Jose
Oakland
2018
94
105
0.49
0.46
14.5
13.0
22.2
20.9
0.006
0.012
12.5
13.7
0.2
0.4
2017
91
100
0.50
0.48
14.6
13.5
23.5
21.2
0.004
0.008
10.2
11.3
0.2
0.5
2016
69
80
0.47
0.41
13.7
12.9
22.4
20.3
0.003
0.005
8.8
7.9
0.2
0.9
2015
84
93
0.52
0.43
15.4
14.5
22.3
20.6
0.004
0.004
9.2
9.5
0.3
0.8
2014
83
90
0.40
0.42
13.9
14.7
21.5
20.6
0.004
0.005
8.2
9.1
0.2
0.5
2013
90
89
0.41
0.39
15.2
15.2
20.8
18.0
0.005
0.004
12.4
11.6
0.3
0.5
2012
74
87
0.35
0.38
13.3
13.7
21.8
18.7
0.003
0.003
10.1
8.5
0.3
0.7
2011
83
94
0.37
0.32
14.8
14.4
20.6
18.5
0.003
0.003
12.3
10.1
0.3
1.1
2010
88
90
0.35
0.21
14.4
14.4
20.4
19.4
0.004
0.013
9.0
8.4
0.4
1.0
2009
89
99
0.40
0.22
14.7
15.2
18.2
19.0
0.004
0.006
9.3
11.3
0.3
1.3
2008
100
110
0.45
0.29
16.7
15.1
20.6
20.1
N/A
0.006
12.6
12.4
N/A
1.0
2007
92
100
0.44
0.41
16.6
13.4
20.0
21.3
0.009
0.006
11.1
9.5
N/A
1.1
2006
100
106
0.46
0.47
18.0
13.8
21.8
22.6
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.4
N/A
1.3
2005
95
97
0.68
0.56
18.6
13.3
20.0
15.3
N/A
N/A
11.6
9.6
N/A
1.4
2004
98
107
0.63
0.51
18.5
14.3
20.4
15.3
N/A
0.004
9.9
11.3
N/A
1.8
2003
87
82
0.73
0.63
20.6
16.1
19.1
15.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2002
78
81
0.65
0.69
19.5
18.8
18.0
16.7
0.006
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2001
75
87
0.61
0.70
18.5
17.2
16.8
12.7
0.008
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2000
65
78
0.66
0.84
18.9
17.1
15.6
11.8
0.009
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
7,647.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
20%
Transportation
Public transportation in both cities is good, with widespread bus services and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Commuting is faster in San Jose due to better road infrastructure and less traffic congestion compared to Oakland. However, both cities suffer from California's infamous traffic jams during peak hours.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
154
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Bicycle
1%
1%
Bus
1.1%
3.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
12.6%
Car alone
80.5%
72.2%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.4%
Railroad
0.2%
0.1%
Streetcar
0%
2.3%
Subway
0.2%
0.5%
Taxicab
0%
0.1%
Walked
3.3%
5.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Average
29.2 min
33.6 min
Other means
27.9 min
29 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
88.1%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
2%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Jose's real-estate prices are among the highest in the nation due to the city's thriving tech industry. In contrast, while Oakland's real-estate prices are also above the national average, they are generally more affordable than San Jose's.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles. San Jose's neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Silver Creek are known for their family-friendly environment, while downtown San Jose offers urban living. Oakland's neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban and urban living, with areas like Rockridge known for its shopping and food scene, and Jack London Square for its waterfront and nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Houses
340,561
186,660
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.5
Median year apartment built
1979
1958
Median year house/condo built
1973
1943
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
170,366 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
72,661 (42.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
97,705 (57.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$3,127
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,921
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$923,387
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$848,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$781,885
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$716,428
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$709,698
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$365,144
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$55,872
$485,645
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$834,685
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$991,120
Median house age
45
69
Renting percentage
41.5%
58.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
3,329.9
House value disparities
21.2%
22.3%
Household income disparities
38.3%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$153,718
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$81,904
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
1,176 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
4,996 (9.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
51,720 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
139 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
6,096 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Oakland
One, detached
50.9%
42.3%
One, attached
11.5%
4.9%
Two
1.1%
6.2%
3 or 4
5.0%
11.1%
5 to 9
5.1%
6.6%
10 to 19
4.5%
6.9%
20 to 49
4.5%
9.9%
50 or more
14.2%
11.7%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
20,615
State government workers
10,222
9,112
Unpaid family workers
472
529
Industries and Occupations
San Jose's dominating industry is tech, with top occupations being software developers, computer and information systems managers, and computer hardware engineers. In Oakland, the employment spectrum is wider. City administration, healthcare, education, and retail industries contribute widely to Oakland's employment opportunities.
Both cities have numerous world-class healthcare facilities. San Jose is home to the respected Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and Stanford Health Care provides services to both cities. In Oakland, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health are major providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Oakland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose's infrastructure is modern and continually developing due to the city's booming tech industry. The city provides excellent road networks, telecommunication facilities, and top-tier science and tech parks. Oakland, while also having reliable infrastructure, has struggled with maintaining some aspects due to a tighter city budget.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Oakland
Hospitals
20
9
TV stations
9
28
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
145
76
Bank institutions located here
25
29
Main business address for public companies
74
10
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
10
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Oakland
1999
3,839
1,291
2000
2,577
1,721
2001
1,953
1,244
2002
1,908
1,370
2003
3,578
2,021
2004
5,489
3,261
2005
6,994
3,850
2006
6,324
4,422
2007
4,298
2,645
2008
2,419
1,041
2009
1,631
700
Culture and Food
Oakland is recognized for its rich cultural diversity and booming food scene, with cuisines from around the globe. The city is also home to a vibrant arts scene. San Jose, while it has a thriving food scene as well, is more likely to emphasize upscale dining options linked to its tech industry. Both cities host several cultural events and festivals.
Sports Teams
For sports enthusiasts, Oakland has been home to NFL's Raiders, MLB's Athletics, and NBA's Golden State Warriors, though the Raiders have moved to Las Vegas. San Jose, on the other hand, is host to the NHL's San Jose Sharks and MLS's San Jose Earthquakes.
San Jose, CA
Oakland, CA
San Jose, CA and 
Oakland, CA : 39.1 miles
