Cost of Living in San Jose for Students

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San Jose is a city in California, and it’s Silicon Valley’s place for graduates in STEM studies and education. The city offers many opportunities, from education and research to job opportunities. Being Silicon Valley’s cultural, technological, and financial hub, San Jose makes it an ideal student destination for international students.

Is San Jose a student city?

San Jose is a perfect student destination; you can get the best out of student life by studying here. From its top-notch universities, leisure, and business centers to the best entertainment and restaurants, this fun city has a lot to love.

Is San Jose expensive?

The cost of living in San Jose is $1,500 – $2,500 / month excluding tuition fees. The cost of living will cover the cost of rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

The cost of living in San Jose will depend upon your lifestyle.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in San Jose, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	$16,000- $38,000 / Year
Accommodation	$1,200 – $4,500 / Month
Local transport	$120 / Month

What is the cost of studying in San Jose?

San Jose State University is one of the oldest public institutions on the West Coast. It offers 134 UG and PG degrees. There are approximately 36,000 students with almost 4,300 employees. The cost of studying will depend on the course you choose to study. We have only given an average cost of the tuition fees. Please check in with the university for the same.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
$16,000- $30,000 / Year	$15,000 – $38,000 / Year

Is San Jose expensive?

There are three types of student accommodation in San Jose. Each type of housing comes with many packed and inclusive benefits. We have given a brief on each accommodation type with a price listing. You can check for more details about each accommodation type on our website.

Student Housing

Student housing is an off-campus accommodation offering a wide range of student rooms. The rooms are fully furnished with modern amenities and inclusive utility bills.

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are up to 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$1,200 – $1,500 / Month

Private Apartment

Student apartments are another off-campus accommodation that offers a wide range of apartments. You can choose to stay in single, double, or triple occupancy. The apartments are fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities.

Apartment	Price
Private	$2,500 – $4,500 / Month

University Halls

University Halls are on-campus accommodations that are on campus or near the campus. The universities manage them and offer rooms, but with limited facilities.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	$1,200 – $1,700 / Month

Is food expensive in San Jose?

The cost of food will depend on your spending and eating habits. Eating food outside in a mid-range restaurant will cost $50 /meal, food chain meal will cost $12 /person. If you like to cook meals at home, the cost of monthly groceries will come to $500.

How much are utility bills in San Jose?

The cost of utility bills in San Jose will be around $450 /month. This will include electricity, water, heating, gas, and Wi-Fi. The student accommodation includes utility bills in the rent.

How to get around San Jose?

The best way to travel is by bus, operated by the VTA, covering the city and its surrounding areas. There are shuttle services that the universities sometimes provide.