Uprootmap
Fresno vs San Jose
Fresno and San Jose
Photo: Michael / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in San Jose are under the US rate in this release, 2.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Fresno to San Jose
In 2022-2023, 394 households filed a move from Fresno to San Jose (about 621 people, average adjusted gross income $64,520). 628 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,356 in Fresno and $3,011 in San Jose. Fresno has a state tax on wages. San Jose has a state tax on wages. Local pay in San Jose is 136% of the national level for the same work, against 85% in Fresno.
San Jose averages 257 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 42°F. Fresno is 261 sunny days, 105°F in July, 39°F in January. Commutes average 29 minutes in San Jose and 24 in Fresno.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 394 households moved Fresno → San Jose (about 621 people, average AGI $64,520). 628 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Fresno and San Jose changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 113 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,800–$3,400
- Container or pod
- $1,200–$2,300
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
Explore more
Dig into San Jose
Questions
Is San Jose cheaper than Fresno after tax and rent?
No. San Jose leaves about $2,025 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,356 in Fresno and $3,011 in San Jose.
Does San Jose have state income tax?
San Jose is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Fresno to San Jose?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.