F
42%
Overall NAT. AVG.
12%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
105%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index South San Jose Hills California National
Cost of living142141100
Groceries112111100
Health care113116100
Housing205197100
Transportation114118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment117120100
Household Items109111100
Education & Childcare125127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in South San Jose Hills, CA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in South San Jose Hills? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in South San Jose Hills stands at 142, making it 42% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, South San Jose Hills may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, South San Jose Hills falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the South San Jose Hills cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 105.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in South San Jose Hills is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 11.7% higher than the national average.

Is South San Jose Hills Affordable?

Is South San Jose Hills an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in South San Jose Hills is 122.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 64.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. South San Jose Hills has a median household income of $112,712, which is 38.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South San Jose Hills?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In South San Jose Hills, healthcare costs are 12.5% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In South San Jose Hills, the transportation index is 14.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in South San Jose Hills starts at 7.25% and the income tax rates start at 1%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for South San Jose Hills shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in South San Jose Hills is 1% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in South San Jose Hills is 42% higher than the national average
  • South San Jose Hills housing is 105% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around South San Jose Hills

See all the best places to live around South San Jose Hills

Compare South San Jose Hills, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in South San Jose Hills?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in South San Jose Hills?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all South San Jose Hills poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$121,832$10,153$2,843$3,655
      Renters$95,113$7,926$2,219$2,854
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in South San Jose Hills is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. South San Jose Hills has a median income of about $121,832 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,843 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $95,113. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $2,219 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Industry, CA26913737.1%
      Montclair, CA41,01413938.5%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Bell Gardens, CA42,82713939.0%
      Paramount, CA55,17514140.7%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Haslett, MI19,6511021.5%
      Deerfield, IL19,65014646.1%
      Shelbyville, IN19,6678713.0%
      Ronkonkoma, NY19,67613434.5%
      North Amityville, NY19,62713332.5%
      South San Jose Hills, CA19,65414242.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.