Fairfax, VA vs San Jose, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Fairfax
70.4
#1102 nationally
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
Fairfax leads in cost of living index (160 vs 198). San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $128,708). Fairfax leads in walk score (54 vs 51).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.4 (#1102) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 25,144 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $787,568 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $128,708 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 28.5 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 54 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 2.5 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 160 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+35.0 | D+40.0 |
C-
70.4 Score
Fairfax, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$787,568
Population
25,144
Crime
Low
Walk Score
54
Northeast
View Fairfax, VA →
D
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →