San Jose, CA and Washington, DC are two of the prominent cities in the United States with distinct lifestyles and offerings. San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a technological hub with a warm climate and high cost of living, while Washington, DC, the nation's capital, offers rich history, political core, and a diverse culture. This comparison will delve into various factors like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more to offer a comprehensive viewpoint for both relocators and tourists.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Washington, DC : 2,416.4 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 47%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Washington has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) during that time.
Washington, DC has a higher crime rate compared to San Jose. While both cities are generally safe for residents and tourists, Washington, DC has faced issues with violent crimes and property crimes than San Jose. Both cities have strong police presence and community-driven initiatives aimed at curbing crime.
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 1,072 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Washington is 635 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Jose is near to than in Washington.
Cost of Living
Both cities are quite expensive, but San Jose holds a notably higher cost of living. This is particularly true in terms of housing, which is substantially pricier in San Jose due to the high demand and proximity to major tech companies. Both cities have a high overall cost of living compared to the national average.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax that is higher than many other states, including Washington, DC. However, DC has a higher maximum tax rate than California.
Property Tax
Washington, DC has a lower property tax rate than San Jose. High property values in San Jose result in larger tax bills despite California’s moderate tax rates.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax is higher than that of Washington, DC. However, DC residents may pay more in specific sales tax categories like meals or alcohol.
Income
Type
San Jose
Washington
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$90,088
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$65,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
124.2
If you make $50,000 in Washington, you will have to make $51,288 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is surrounded by mountain ranges and is near the Pacific coast, while Washington, DC is located on the east coast of the US, on the Potomac River, with a fairly flat terrain.
Both cities are known for their strong dedication to education. San Jose has renowned public and private schools as well as being the home of San Jose State University. Meanwhile, Washington, DC hosts several internationally acclaimed universities including Georgetown University and George Washington University.
San Jose's economy is primarily driven by the tech industry with many residents employed in high-paying tech and engineering roles. Washington, DC, on the other hand, has a diverse economy built around government, education, tourism, and services. While job opportunities are plentiful in both cities, the type of work available varies considerably.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the biggest employers include tech giants like Apple, Google, and Cisco Systems. In Washington, DC, the federal government is the largest employer, along with renowned educational institutions and health services.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 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 Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
2020
72.7%
92.6%
25.2%
5.4%
2.1%
2.0%
2016
72.7%
90.9%
20.6%
4.1%
6.7%
5.0%
2012
70.0%
90.9%
27.1%
7.3%
2.9%
1.8%
2008
69.6%
92.5%
28.6%
6.5%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
64.3%
89.6%
34.8%
9.4%
0.9%
1.0%
2000
60.7%
85.2%
34.4%
9.0%
4.9%
5.9%
1996
56.9%
85.2%
32.2%
9.3%
11.0%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
12.6%
6.0%
7.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.7%
1.8%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
4.4%
7.7%
10.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
3.1%
2.3%
5.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
2.6%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.3%
2.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
6.2%
1.1%
10.3%
Weather
San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Unlike San Jose, Washington, DC experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Tourists and residents longing for a winter wonderland may find DC more attractive, while those seeking year-round gentle weather may prefer San Jose.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Washington
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
56.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
68.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
81%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
42.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
32.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
15.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
61.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
21%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
66%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
45%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
9.7 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
Washington
San Jose
Washington
San Jose
Washington
2018
94
88
0.49
0.32
14.5
11.6
22.2
23.2
0.006
N/A
16.4
N/A
12.5
8.8
0.2
0.8
2017
91
84
0.50
0.32
14.6
12.3
23.5
24.9
0.004
N/A
16.5
N/A
10.2
9.8
0.2
1.0
2016
69
98
0.47
0.43
13.7
14.7
22.4
24.6
0.003
0.002
17.2
N/A
8.8
9.5
0.2
1.0
2015
84
91
0.52
0.34
15.4
14.8
22.3
26.2
0.004
0.002
17.0
N/A
9.2
10.4
0.3
1.3
2014
83
85
0.40
0.33
13.9
11.6
21.5
25.9
0.004
0.002
17.1
N/A
8.2
10.0
0.2
1.0
2013
90
88
0.41
0.34
15.2
11.7
20.8
25.6
0.005
0.002
17.3
N/A
12.4
11.6
0.3
1.0
2012
74
103
0.35
0.58
13.3
15.2
21.8
27.6
0.003
0.002
N/A
N/A
10.1
12.2
0.3
1.6
2011
83
105
0.37
0.67
14.8
15.4
20.6
27.7
0.003
0.002
N/A
N/A
12.3
11.4
0.3
3.1
2010
88
114
0.35
0.88
14.4
15.9
20.4
29.3
0.004
0.003
N/A
N/A
9.0
9.3
0.4
3.4
2009
89
90
0.40
0.86
14.7
16.2
18.2
24.4
0.004
0.002
N/A
N/A
9.3
7.6
0.3
4.6
2008
100
103
0.45
1.23
16.7
16.2
20.6
25.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
12.6
8.5
N/A
5.6
2007
92
113
0.44
1.17
16.6
16.8
20.0
27.1
0.009
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.1
10.4
N/A
5.1
2006
100
114
0.46
1.11
18.0
17.2
21.8
25.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.1
10.9
N/A
4.5
2005
95
105
0.68
0.86
18.6
20.5
20.0
22.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
11.6
11.7
N/A
4.5
2004
98
113
0.63
0.62
18.5
21.3
20.4
20.6
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.9
11.3
N/A
6.5
2003
87
108
0.73
0.90
20.6
23.6
19.1
20.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
2002
78
125
0.65
1.16
19.5
23.7
18.0
25.0
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2001
75
113
0.61
1.07
18.5
23.9
16.8
22.0
0.008
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2000
65
115
0.66
1.17
18.9
20.2
15.6
19.1
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Washington
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
110.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
42.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
19%
Transportation
Both cities have robust public transit systems. San Jose offers light rail, bus, and Caltrain services, with many residents also preferring to drive. Washington, DC's WMATA provides metro and bus services, while also being more walkable and bike-friendly than San Jose.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Washington
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
553
456
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Washington
Bicycle
1%
2%
Bus
1.1%
6.3%
Carpooled
11.4%
7.8%
Car alone
80.5%
62.5%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.3%
Streetcar
0%
10.6%
Subway
0.2%
1.3%
Taxicab
0%
0.8%
Walked
3.3%
5.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Washington
Average
29.2 min
39.2 min
Other means
27.9 min
26 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Washington
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.3%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
9.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
0.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
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
In terms of real estate, San Jose is substantially pricier than DC, thanks to its high demand from those working in Silicon Valley. Washington, DC, while expensive, often offers more affordable options compared to San Jose.
Neighborhoods
San Jose boasts a range of diverse neighborhoods, from the lively Downtown to the family-friendly Willow Glen. Likewise, Washington, DC is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, like the bustling U Street Corridor or the quaint and charming Georgetown.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Washington
Houses
340,561
357,482
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.1
Median year apartment built
1979
1965
Median year house/condo built
1973
1941
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
319,565 (89.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
132,936 (41.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
186,629 (58.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$2,791
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,817
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$996,150
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$669,900
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
3.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$471,443
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$527,983
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$817,288
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$790,542
Median house age
45
65
Renting percentage
41.5%
58%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
5,821.9
House value disparities
21.2%
26.7%
Household income disparities
38.3%
45.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$163,111
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$108,852
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
777 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
8,586 (8.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
100,122 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
1,057 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
12,793 (12.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Washington
One, detached
50.9%
11.2%
One, attached
11.5%
22.2%
Two
1.1%
2.7%
3 or 4
5.0%
6.8%
5 to 9
5.1%
7.3%
10 to 19
4.5%
8.5%
20 to 49
4.5%
7.6%
50 or more
14.2%
33.6%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.2%
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
16,654
State government workers
10,222
6,699
Unpaid family workers
472
580
Industries and Occupations
The prominent industries in San Jose include technology, healthcare, and education. In contrast, Washington, DC is dominated by government jobs, professional services, education, and tourism. Therefore, those seeking a career in tech might lean towards San Jose, while those in public service or law may favor Washington, DC.
Both cities have access to leading healthcare facilities. San Jose is near several top-ranked hospitals while Washington, DC boasts renowned healthcare providers like MedStar and Johns Hopkins facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Washington
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose, being a part of Silicon Valley, flaunts modern infrastructure with extensive suburban development. On the contrary, Washington, DC, rich in history and culture, has a combination of modern and historical architecture with notable landmarks such as the Capitol Building and the White House.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Washington
Hospitals
20
114
TV stations
9
27
Arenas or stadiums
2
4
Bank branches located here
145
247
Bank institutions located here
25
34
Main business address for public companies
74
30
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
Washington
1999
3,839
1,328
2000
2,577
1,438
2001
1,953
935
2002
1,908
886
2003
3,578
1,319
2004
5,489
2,281
2005
6,994
2,920
2006
6,324
3,362
2007
4,298
2,548
2008
2,419
1,095
2009
1,631
514
Culture and Food
San Jose offers a multicultural experience with a focus on Latino and Asian influences. Washington, DC provides a rich, diverse food scene with influences from around the country and the world, as well as a dynamic arts and culture scene tied to its political and historical importance.
Sports Teams
In sports, San Jose is home to the Sharks (NHL) and Earthquakes (MLS), while Washington, DC hosts the Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), Redskins (NFL), Nationals (MLB), and DC United (MLS).
San Jose, CA
Washington, DC
San Jose, CA and 
Washington, DC : 2,416.4 miles
