Salaries in San Jose, CA

Updated on Mar 08, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in San Jose, CA?

The average salary in San Jose, CA is $94,828 per year.

In San Jose, CA, job seekers can find a wide range of salaries across different positions. The average yearly salary stands at an impressive $94,828. Many positions offer competitive pay, with the following breakdown of salaries:


About 37.7% of jobs pay around $35,600, while 14.9% offer approximately $56,560. Those with more experience or specialized skills can earn around $77,520, which represents 10.7% of the job market. Salaries increase significantly, with 8% of jobs offering about $98,479 and 6.9% reaching approximately $119,439.


For highly skilled positions, around 4.8% of jobs pay $140,399, and 4% provide salaries around $161,359. Those in higher management or technical roles can earn even more, with 3.2% offering $182,319 and smaller percentages reaching $203,278 and beyond. The highest salaries in the region can approach $266,158.


Overall, San Jose offers excellent opportunities for job seekers, making it a desirable place to build a career.

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What are the best paying jobs in San Jose, CA?

The best paying jobs in San Jose, CA, include a range of healthcare and technology positions. Psychiatrists lead the way with an impressive average salary of over $372,000, followed closely by primary care physicians and general dentists. In the tech sector, roles such as principal engineer and solutions architect also offer high earning potential, with salaries nearing $200,000. Job seekers in these fields can expect rewarding financial compensation that reflects their skills and expertise.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Jose, CA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $372,159 and Product Manager with the lowest at $174,477.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $372,159
    In this role, you provide mental health care to patients, helping them manage conditions like anxiety and depression. Leading institutions like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer positions for these professionals. The demand for mental health services continues to grow in the area, making it a lucrative career choice.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $263,796
    You lead patients in their healthcare journey, focusing on prevention and overall wellness. Many top hospitals in the region, such as El Camino Health and Dignity Health, are actively searching for skilled primary care providers. Your work often involves guiding patients through complex health decisions.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $235,895
    As a physician, you diagnose and treat various health conditions while working closely with patients to improve their quality of life. Local healthcare organizations, including Sutter Health, offer competitive salaries in this vital profession. Your expertise is crucial in creating healthier communities.
    Find Physician jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $219,519
    You play a key role in oral health, providing services like check-ups, cleanings, and treatments. Reputable dental offices in Silicon Valley seek skilled dentists to serve their growing clientele. This field allows you to establish long-term relationships with patients, enhancing their dental care experience.
    Find General Dentist jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $199,228
    In this position, you lead engineering projects and guide teams on technical challenges. Companies like Cisco and Adobe value your ability to innovate and streamline processes. This role combines technical knowledge with leadership, making it essential in the tech-driven industry.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $188,229
    You design and implement technology solutions to meet business needs, collaborating with teams to ensure success. Top tech firms, such as Google and Apple, rely on skilled architects to bring their projects to life. Your expertise enhances operations and effectiveness across organizations.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Cloud Engineer
    Average Salary: $183,041
    You build and manage cloud infrastructure, ensuring that companies can handle their data needs effectively. With many firms in the Silicon Valley focusing on cloud solutions, your skills are in high demand. Providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are examples of potential employers.
    Find Cloud Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Unit Manager
    Average Salary: $182,036
    In this role, you oversee team operations and ensure that project goals are met efficiently. Companies in the region, especially in manufacturing and tech, look for strong leaders to guide their teams. Your leadership directly impacts productivity and team morale.
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  9. Staff Engineer
    Average Salary: $176,130
    You tackle engineering challenges and mentor junior engineers to foster a strong technical team. Firms like Tesla and Intel are noted for hiring talented staff engineers to push their projects forward. Your role is critical in driving innovation and quality.
    Find Staff Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $174,477
    As a product manager, you oversee product development from conception to launch, ensuring it meets customer needs. Established companies in the area, such as PayPal and LinkedIn, seek driven individuals for this crucial role. Your strategic vision shapes products and can significantly influence market success.
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What are the best paying jobs in San Jose, CA without a degree?

In San Jose, some of the best paying jobs that do not require a degree include Outside Sales Representatives, who earn an average salary of $75,847, and Restaurant Managers, with an average of $63,589. Other lucrative positions include Concrete Finishers and Arborist Climbers, both offering competitive salaries, making these roles attractive options for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in San Jose, CA without a degree, highlighting Outside Sales Representative with the highest at $75,847 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $46,885.
  1. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $75,847
    This role involves selling products and services directly to customers, often requiring strong communication skills. Companies like Cisco and Adobe in San Jose rely on outside sales representatives to drive business growth. Successful salespeople can enjoy high commission rates in addition to their base salary.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,589
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations, ensuring excellent customer service and managing staff efficiently. In a bustling tech hub like San Jose, establishments such as The Cheese Cake Factory and Oren's Hummus attract food enthusiasts. This position requires strong leadership and organizational skills, vital for a successful dining experience.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $63,417
    Concrete finishers work with various concrete materials to create smooth surfaces for structures like sidewalks and driveways. With ongoing developments in the area, demand for skilled labor in construction remains strong in San Jose. Companies often look for dependable individuals to maintain high-quality workmanship.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $58,846
    An arborist climber maintains trees in urban environments, ensuring their health and safety while caring for the community's green spaces. This role requires strong climbing skills and knowledge of tree care, making it an important job for places like public parks in San Jose. Arborists work closely with landscape companies to promote tree preservation.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $57,500
    A kitchen manager oversees food preparation, staff management, and inventory control in restaurants and catering services. In San Jose, diverse dining options rely on skilled kitchen managers for smooth operations. This role combines culinary knowledge with strong organizational skills to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  6. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $54,237
    Recreation assistants help organize and facilitate recreational programs for various community groups. In San Jose, such positions can be found in parks and community centers, with a focus on promoting public health and wellness. Enthusiasts of fitness activities often find joy in aiding others to stay active.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $49,973
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage for landscaping and agriculture. With the growing need for sustainable practices in San Jose, this role plays an important part in water conservation efforts. Technicians work with landscape companies and municipalities to create effective watering systems.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $49,455
    Lawn care technicians provide services such as mowing, fertilization, and pest control to maintain healthy lawns. Companies specializing in home landscaping in San Jose depend on these skilled workers to keep residential and commercial lawns looking their best. This position is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and helping enhance property aesthetics.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in San Jose, CA


  9. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $47,227
    Grain elevator operators manage the storage and handling of grain products, playing a key role in the agricultural supply chain. While more common in rural areas, there are opportunities in San Jose where warehouse capabilities give space for grain operations. This job requires attention to detail to ensure safe and efficient grain management.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $46,885
    Housekeepers maintain cleanliness and order in various facilities, including hotels, offices, and private homes. In San Jose, hospitality and serviced apartments offer employment opportunities for attentive individuals. This role often leads to flexible work hours and the chance to make immediate positive impacts on clients' environments.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in San Jose, CA

Which companies offer the top salaries in San Jose, CA?

Some of the best-paying companies in San Jose include ByteDance, which offers an impressive average salary of $227,633, and TikTok, with an average of $201,255. Nutanix and One Medical also provide competitive salaries, averaging $197,636 and $193,594 respectively, while other notable companies like Apple and Intel also feature attractive salary packages, showcasing a strong job market in the region.
Graph displaying company salaries in San Jose, CA, highlighting ByteDance with the highest at $227,633 and Apple with the lowest at $172,791.
  1. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $227,633
    ByteDance is a technology company known for its innovative platforms and applications, including TikTok. It focuses on creating engaging content and providing user-friendly experiences.


  2. TikTok
    Average Salary: $201,255
    TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. It continues to grow rapidly and shapes trends in social media.


  3. Nutanix
    Average Salary: $197,636
    Nutanix offers cloud computing solutions that simplify how organizations manage their IT infrastructure. Their technology enhances productivity and efficiency.


  4. One Medical
    Average Salary: $193,594
    One Medical provides membership-based primary care. The company combines technology with personalized healthcare services to improve patient experiences.


  5. Micron Technology, Inc.
    Average Salary: $191,970
    Micron is a global leader in memory and storage solutions. It delivers innovative technologies that enhance data accessibility and processing.


  6. Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE
    Average Salary: $185,528
    HPE specializes in enterprise technology solutions, providing computing, networking, and storage systems that help businesses thrive.


  7. Samsung Semiconductor Inc (US)
    Average Salary: $180,057
    Samsung Semiconductor develops advanced semiconductor solutions for various applications, driving innovation and efficiency in technology.


  8. Intel Corporation
    Average Salary: $178,914
    Intel is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures advanced integrated digital technology platforms, unlocking potential in computing.


  9. eBay
    Average Salary: $175,424
    eBay is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers globally. It provides a platform for users to buy and sell goods and services.


  10. Apple
    Average Salary: $172,791
    Apple designs and manufactures consumer electronics, software, and services. Known for its innovation, Apple continues to set trends in technology.

How does the cost of living in San Jose, CA compare to the national average?

San Jose, CA has a cost of living index of 134.2, which is 34.2% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it important for job seekers to consider the higher expenses when looking for positions in this city.
Cost of living comparison graph for San Jose, CA vs. Nationwide: housing 127% higher, groceries 13% higher, utilities 17% higher, transportation 21% higher, healthcare 4% higher, miscellaneous 18% higher.

San Jose, CA, presents a cost of living index significantly higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing sector stands out the most, with an impressive index of 227.3, making housing roughly 127.3% more expensive than the national average. This can be appealing to those seeking careers in the tech industry, where salaries often compensate for higher living expenses.


In addition to housing, other essential costs also exceed the national average. Groceries in San Jose have an index of 113.5, indicating they are about 13.5% higher than average. Utilities and transportation also reflect higher costs, with indices of 117.2 and 121.4 respectively. However, healthcare is relatively more affordable at an index of 104.8, just 4.8% above the national average. Overall, while the cost of living in San Jose may seem daunting, the city offers ample opportunities that often justify these expenses for skilled professionals.

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Pasadena, CA
The cost of living index in Pasadena, CA is 96% higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. This significant increase mainly comes from elevated housing costs and transportation expenses.
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Pasadena, TX
Pasadena, TX has a cost of living index of 92, which is 8% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents enjoy lower costs in housing, groceries, and transportation compared to other areas in the country.
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Pearland, TX
The cost of living index in Pearland, TX is 98, which is 2% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means that living in Pearland can be more affordable compared to many other areas in the country.
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Pembroke Pines, FL
Pembroke Pines, FL has a cost of living index of 107, which is 7% higher than the nationwide average of 100. The most significant factor is housing, at 125, making it relatively more expensive in this category.
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Pflugerville, TX
Pflugerville, TX has a cost of living index of 93, which is 7% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes Pflugerville a more affordable option for professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
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Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas Park, FL has a cost of living index of 96, which is 4% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it an affordable option compared to many other areas in the country.
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Plano, TX
The cost of living index in Plano, TX is 103, which is 3% higher than the nationwide average of 100. Most categories, like housing at 9% above average, contribute to this increase while groceries and healthcare remain below the national average.
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Plantation, FL
Plantation, FL has a cost of living index of 103, which is 3% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means living in Plantation is a bit more expensive than the average across the United States.
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Pomona, CA
The cost of living index in Pomona, CA is 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents may expect to pay more for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare compared to other areas in the country.
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Pompano Beach, FL
Pompano Beach, FL has a cost of living index of 102. This is 2% higher than the nationwide average of 100.
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Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, WA has a cost of living index of 102.5, which is 2.5% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living in Puyallup is slightly more expensive than the average U.S. city.
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Quincy, MA
Quincy, MA has a cost of living index of 117, which is 17% higher than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs lead the way, being 30% higher than average, while healthcare remains on par with the national figures.
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Rancho Cordova, CA
The cost of living index in Rancho Cordova, CA is 119, which is 19% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means that living expenses in Rancho Cordova can be higher, especially in areas like housing and groceries.
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Redmond, WA
Redmond, WA has a cost of living index of 130, which is 30% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means that living in Redmond is more expensive, particularly in housing and miscellaneous expenses.
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Renton, WA
The cost of living index in Renton, WA is 108, which is 8% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents pay more for housing and groceries but benefit from lower utility costs compared to the national average.
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Richardson, TX
Richardson, TX has a cost of living index of 99, which is 1% below the nationwide average of 100. This means living in Richardson is slightly more affordable, especially in areas like housing and transportation.
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Riverside, CA
The cost of living index in Riverside, CA is 123, which is 23% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that living in Riverside can be more expensive, particularly in housing and transportation.
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Roseville, CA
The cost of living index in Roseville, CA is 114, indicating it is 14% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This reflects higher housing, grocery, and transportation costs compared to most other places in the country.
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Round Rock, TX
Round Rock, TX has a cost of living index of 94, which is 6% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to relocate.
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Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, CA has a cost of living index of 117, which is 17% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This increase reflects higher housing and utility costs, making Sacramento more expensive than many other cities in the U.S.
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Sammamish, WA
Sammamish, WA has a cost of living index of 145.1, which is 45.1% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This difference highlights the relatively higher expenses residents face in housing, groceries, and other categories compared to most places in the country.
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San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX has a cost of living index of 92, which is 8% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes San Antonio an affordable option for those looking to live in a large city.
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San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA, has a cost of living index of 132, which is 32% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This increase reflects higher expenses in housing, groceries, and transportation compared to other areas in the country.
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San Marcos, CA
San Marcos, CA has a cost of living index of 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents can expect to pay more for housing, groceries, and other expenses compared to the rest of the country.
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San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, TX has a cost of living index of 94.6, which is 5.4% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This lower index means that living expenses in San Marcos are generally more affordable than the national standard.
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Sanford, FL
The cost of living index in Sanford, FL is 7% lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. This offers residents an affordable lifestyle compared to many other areas in the country.
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Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara, CA has a cost of living index of 145, which is 45% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means living in Santa Clara can be more expensive, particularly for housing and groceries.
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Santa Clarita, CA
The cost of living index in Santa Clarita, CA is 130%, which is 30% higher than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs make up the biggest difference, sitting at 70% above the national average.
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Schertz, TX
Schertz, TX has a cost of living index of 93.9, which is 6.1% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes Schertz an affordable option for those considering relocation.
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Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA has a cost of living index of 121. This is 21% higher than the nationwide average of 100.
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Shoreline, WA
Shoreline, WA has a cost of living index of 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents may spend more on housing, groceries, and transportation compared to the rest of the country.
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Somerville, MA
Somerville, MA has a cost of living index of 130.8, which is 30.8% higher than the nationwide average of 100. While housing costs are significantly above average at 58.5% more, other categories like groceries and healthcare also show higher expenses.
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Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane Valley, WA has a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means housing, groceries, and transportation are more affordable, making it an attractive option for job seekers.
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Spokane, WA
Spokane, WA has a cost of living index of 95, which is 5% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it an affordable option for those looking to relocate while pursuing job opportunities.
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Springfield, MA
Springfield, MA has a cost of living index of 91, which is 9% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents enjoy lower housing and living costs compared to many other areas in the country.
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Sugar Land, TX
The cost of living index in Sugar Land, TX stands at 103, which is 3% higher than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher at 17%, while groceries and transportation are below average.
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Sunnyvale, CA
The cost of living index in Sunnyvale, CA is 157, which is 57% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This means residents face higher expenses for housing, groceries, and other necessities compared to most other areas in the country.
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Tacoma, WA
The cost of living index in Tacoma, WA is 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This increase mainly comes from higher housing and transportation costs.
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Tallahassee, FL
The cost of living index in Tallahassee, FL is 92.5, which is 7.5% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes Tallahassee an affordable option for those considering relocation.
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Tampa, FL
Tampa, FL has a cost of living index of 100.6, which is slightly above the nationwide average of 100, indicating a more affordable cost for housing, utilities, and healthcare compared to other areas in the country.
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The Colony, TX
The cost of living index in The Colony, TX is 1% below the nationwide average, scoring 99 overall. This means residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to many other parts of the country.
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The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands, TX, has a cost of living index of 98, which is 2% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This makes it a more affordable option for professional job seekers looking to relocate.
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Torrance, CA
Torrance, CA has a cost of living index of 130, which is 30% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This reflects increased costs in housing, groceries, and transportation compared to other areas across the country.
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Tukwila, WA
Tukwila, WA has a cost of living index of 106, which is 6% higher than the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher at 32% above average, while utilities remain lower than average at 2% less.
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Vancouver, WA
Vancouver, WA has a cost of living index of 106, which is 6% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This indicates that living in Vancouver is relatively more expensive than the average in the U.S.
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Vista, CA
The cost of living index in Vista, CA is 118.4, which is 18.4% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This highlights the higher expenses residents can expect in housing, groceries, and healthcare compared to other parts of the country.
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Westfield, MA
The cost of living index in Westfield, MA stands at 99, which is 1% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This means that overall, living in Westfield is slightly more affordable compared to the national level.
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Weston, FL
Weston, FL has a cost of living index of 115, which is 15% higher than the nationwide average of 100. This increase is mainly driven by higher housing costs, which are 40% above the national average.
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Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA has a cost of living index of 94, which is 6% lower than the nationwide average of 100. This lower index indicates that living expenses in Worcester are generally more affordable compared to many other places in the country.
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There are 6,317 job openings in San Jose, CA, today!

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San Jose, CA
6,317 job openings