2025 Compare Cities Overview:
San Jose, CA vs Los Altos, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Los Altos older or younger than people in San Jose?
- The Median Age in Los Altos is 8.3 years older than in San Jose.

Are housing costs cheaper in Los Altos or San Jose?
- Los Altos housing costs are 214.7% more expensive than San Jose housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Los Altos or San Jose?
- The average commute for residents of Los Altos is 5.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of San Jose.

Things to do in San Jose?
San Jose, California is a vibrant city filled with attractions, activities and events for all ages. From world-class museums like the Tech Museum of Innovation, to family-friendly destinations like the Children’s Discovery Museum - there's something for everyone in this city. The colorful downtown district boasts an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment to satisfy any traveler, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring its nearby parks and trails. With its temperate climate, San Jose offers endless opportunities for year-round fun in the sun - making it an ideal destination for any adventure seeker!

Things to do in Los Altos?
Los Altos CA lies within Silicon Valley making this tech mecca one full of opportunity with major employers as well as attractions like Shoreline Amphitheater or even exploring one of over 50 regional parks sprinkled throughout Santa Clara County!

 San Jose, CALos Altos, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock31,562329,725,481
 Median Income$125,075  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock45.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,184,400  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time29.4  Unlock26.38
Reviews for San Jose    90 Reviews

I've lived in west San Jose/Cambrian, between Los Gatos and Almaden SJ since 1997. This side of town somehow avoided the erosion of the American dream. Houses are  More

   |    Reply

I lived in San Jose for 40 years. That’s during the most exciting time when the Silicon Valley was booming with real technology and San Jose was ranked as the safest big  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I've lived in San Jose, CA for 25 years. This city is being over run with crime and gangs. The cost of living is very high. Granted, you are so close to mountains,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of San Jose

Reviews for Los Altos    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

Expensive but worth  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

the quality of life here is very high however the cost of living is also high. extremely high as a matter of fact. I'd like to look at other communities that are less  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Los Altos


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.