San Jose, CA and Plano, TX are two unique metropolitan areas in the United States with differentiating attributes. San Jose, part of the Silicon Valley and a tech industry hub, contrasts Plano's quieter, family-friendly suburbia atmosphere, despite being a significant economic center in its own right. The comparison covers various aspects including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more to give a comprehensive view of life in these cities, whether considering a permanent move or a temporary visit.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Plano, TX : 1,444.5 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 241%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Plano has grown by 66,223 people (29.8%) during that time.
Both San Jose and Plano boast relatively low crime rates compared to other cities of their size. San Jose's crime rate, being a larger city, is slightly higher than that of Plano. However, both cities are generally considered safe, with Plano often ranking among the safest cities nationwide. Their police departments actively maintain public safety, contributing to a feeling of security whether for locals or tourists.
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 134 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Plano is 2,135 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Jose than that in Plano.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is significantly higher than in Plano due to the booming tech industry driving up costs. Housing, in particular, is much more expensive in San Jose. On the other hand, Plano offers a more affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for families or individuals looking to stretch their dollar further.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax, while Texas has no state income tax. Thus, residents of San Jose will have to account for state income tax, while those in Plano won't, giving Plano an advantage for those who value keeping more of their earnings.
Property Tax
While home prices in San Jose are higher, California's property tax rate is generally lower than in Texas. Hence, even though homes in Plano are more affordable, property taxes can add significantly to homeownership costs.
Sales Tax
Both California and Texas have high sales taxes, but the sales tax in San Jose (8.75%) is slightly higher than in Plano (8.25%). The difference may not be significant for tourists but could add up for residents over time.
Income
Type
San Jose
Plano
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$95,002
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$49,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
96.2
If you make $50,000 in Plano, you will have to make $66,216 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is located in the Santa Clara Valley, surrounded by rolling hills. Plano, on the other hand, is characterized by flat terrain. Both cities are near some nature retreats, perfect for weekend getaways.
Both San Jose and Plano have excellent educational opportunities, with both cities boasting high-quality public and private schools. Plus, San Jose is home to renowned higher institutions like San Jose State University, and Plano residents are served by two quality community colleges and have proximity to universities in nearby Dallas.
San Jose, being part of Silicon Valley, has a vibrant economy heavily focused on the tech industry. Plano, while becoming progressively more diverse, is traditionally focused on industries like finance and retail. The unemployment rate in both cities is lower than the national average and offer ample opportunities for job-seekers.
Biggest Employers
San Jose's biggest employers are tech giants like Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe. Plano houses headquarters for larger companies like J.C. Penney and Pizza Hut, besides regional offices for capital firms such as Capital One. Both cities offer a vast array of employment opportunities.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 321 building permits issued in Plano in 2012 (28 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 Plano (Collin County), 33.6% voted for Democrats and 65.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
2020
72.7%
47.1%
25.2%
51.4%
2.1%
1.5%
2016
72.7%
39.0%
20.6%
55.7%
6.7%
5.4%
2012
70.0%
33.6%
27.1%
65.2%
2.9%
1.2%
2008
69.6%
36.7%
28.6%
62.3%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
64.3%
28.2%
34.8%
71.3%
0.9%
0.6%
2000
60.7%
24.5%
34.4%
73.2%
4.9%
2.3%
1996
56.9%
28.5%
32.2%
63.0%
11.0%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
14.2%
6.0%
1.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
2.9%
1.8%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
10.1%
7.7%
29.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
2.3%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
2.6%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
2.3%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.8%
1.4%
1.4%
Weather
The San Jose climate is Mediterranean, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters while Plano experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and generally mild winters. Both cities have plenty of sunshine, but if someone prefers a cooler summer and can handle rainy winters, San Jose would be more suitable.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Plano
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
64.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
40.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Plano, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
San Jose
Plano
2018
94
85
0.49
N/A
14.5
5.8
22.2
30.1
0.006
N/A
12.5
9.7
0.2
0.4
2017
91
84
0.50
N/A
14.6
5.8
23.5
31.4
0.004
N/A
10.2
9.1
0.2
0.3
2016
69
77
0.47
N/A
13.7
6.4
22.4
29.9
0.003
N/A
8.8
8.4
0.2
0.2
2015
84
84
0.52
N/A
15.4
7.2
22.3
30.0
0.004
N/A
9.2
8.9
0.3
0.3
2014
83
83
0.40
N/A
13.9
6.1
21.5
30.9
0.004
N/A
8.2
9.9
0.2
0.3
2013
90
95
0.41
N/A
15.2
7.0
20.8
32.2
0.005
N/A
12.4
13.0
0.3
0.2
2012
74
112
0.35
N/A
13.3
8.5
21.8
34.3
0.003
N/A
10.1
12.0
0.3
0.3
2011
83
98
0.37
N/A
14.8
9.1
20.6
33.9
0.003
N/A
12.3
11.9
0.3
0.6
2010
88
78
0.35
N/A
14.4
9.7
20.4
30.8
0.004
N/A
9.0
N/A
0.4
0.7
2009
89
86
0.40
N/A
14.7
9.6
18.2
31.5
0.004
N/A
9.3
N/A
0.3
0.5
2008
100
82
0.45
N/A
16.7
9.9
20.6
32.3
N/A
0.121
12.6
N/A
N/A
0.5
2007
92
89
0.44
N/A
16.6
10.3
20.0
29.7
0.009
0.070
11.1
N/A
N/A
0.3
2006
100
103
0.46
N/A
18.0
10.5
21.8
33.7
N/A
0.106
11.1
N/A
N/A
0.7
2005
95
105
0.68
N/A
18.6
13.2
20.0
32.6
N/A
0.142
11.6
11.0
N/A
0.9
2004
98
92
0.63
N/A
18.5
11.8
20.4
29.2
N/A
0.099
9.9
N/A
N/A
0.8
2003
87
100
0.73
N/A
20.6
13.9
19.1
30.3
N/A
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2002
78
96
0.65
N/A
19.5
14.3
18.0
29.1
0.006
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2001
75
99
0.61
N/A
18.5
12.8
16.8
30.6
0.008
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2000
65
107
0.66
N/A
18.9
14.5
15.6
31.7
0.009
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Plano
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
252.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
596.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
14%
Transportation
San Jose has a wide-ranging public transit system run by VTA, whereas Plano's public transit is managed by DART. Both cities' public transport systems are comprehensive, but San Jose, being larger, may require more time to commute.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Plano
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
266
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
11
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Plano
Bicycle
1%
0.1%
Bus
1.1%
0.4%
Carpooled
11.4%
7.8%
Car alone
80.5%
89.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Plano
Average
29.2 min
28.8 min
Other means
27.9 min
28.4 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
59 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Plano
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.3%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
8.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in San Jose is significantly more expensive than in Plano, driven largely by the high demand due to the tech industry. In contrast, Plano has a more affordable and stable real estate market, making it a better option for those looking for more space for their dollar.
Neighborhoods
Both San Jose and Plano have diverse neighborhoods, each with a unique character. San Jose's neighborhoods range from historic to ultramodern, while Plano's neighborhoods are primarily suburbs, ideal for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Plano
Houses
340,561
114,797
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.6
Median year apartment built
1979
1996
Median year house/condo built
1973
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
13 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
108,472 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
60,883 (56.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
47,589 (43.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,491
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,599
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$1,044,402
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$387,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
6.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$447,315
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$154,744
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$260,615
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$210,357
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$112,806
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$325,999
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$437,302
Median house age
45
28
Renting percentage
41.5%
37%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,604.1
House value disparities
21.2%
23.4%
Household income disparities
38.3%
41.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$134,911
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$110,429
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
744 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
1,681 (4.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
37,102 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
86 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
2,508 (6.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Plano
One, detached
50.9%
60.2%
One, attached
11.5%
3.5%
Two
1.1%
0.8%
3 or 4
5.0%
3.0%
5 to 9
5.1%
7.3%
10 to 19
4.5%
9.1%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.2%
50 or more
14.2%
12.1%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.8%
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
7,541
State government workers
10,222
4,098
Unpaid family workers
472
57
Industries and Occupations
In San Jose, the dominant industries are tech-related, including software, internet, and electronics. In Plano, there's a diverse range of industries including finance, retail, and technology. Both cities have a broad array of occupations available, from tech jobs to sales, healthcare, and education.
San Jose is served by a number of top health care facilities. Plano, too, has its share of high-quality hospitals. Both cities offer good access to medical care, making them ideal for retirees or those with specific health concerns.
San Jose possesses a vast, well-developed infrastructure befitting its size, with a variety of public facilities and establishments. Plano, while smaller, also has robust infrastructure including parks, libraries, and event venues. Both cities have ongoing initiatives to improve their infrastructures further.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Plano
Hospitals
20
15
TV stations
9
25
Bank branches located here
145
115
Bank institutions located here
25
42
Main business address for public companies
74
17
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
Plano
1999
3,839
825
2000
2,577
258
2001
1,953
199
2002
1,908
204
2003
3,578
655
2004
5,489
921
2005
6,994
1,145
2006
6,324
1,104
2007
4,298
750
2008
2,419
384
2009
1,631
213
Culture and Food
San Jose, with its diverse population, offers a rich blend of cultures and cuisines from around the world. It's especially known for its Vietnamese food. Plano also has a diverse food scene, with unique Texas twists on national and international favorites like Tex-Mex and barbecue.
Sports Teams
San Jose is home to the NHL's San Jose Sharks and Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes. Plano, while it doesn't have sports teams of its own, is a short drive from Dallas, home to the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Rangers (MLB).
San Jose, CA
Plano, TX
San Jose, CA and 
Plano, TX : 1,444.5 miles
