San Jose, California and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, although two vastly different cities, offer distinct and unique lifestyle options. San Jose, high-tech heart of Silicon Valley, offers a robust employment sector and diverse cultures, but at a steep living cost. Baton Rouge, state capital of Louisiana, has a high vibe culture with traditional Southern charm, affordability, but higher crime rates.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Baton Rouge, LA : 1,816.3 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 343%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Baton Rouge has decreased by 5,633 people (2.5%) during that time.
When it comes to crime and safety, San Jose tends to be safer than Baton Rouge. While every city has crime, Baton Rouge's crime rate is notably higher than the national average, and significantly higher than San Jose's. For visitors, it's important to stay informed about the areas you're visiting, particularly in Baton Rouge. Conversely, San Jose is one of the safest big cities in the US, though there are areas to be avoided, as with any city.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,847 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 1,028 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 555 to 1; the ratio in Baton Rouge is 224 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Jose than in Baton Rouge.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is significantly higher than Baton Rouge largely because of high housing prices, driven by Silicon Valley's tech boom. On the contrary, Baton Rouge has a fairly low cost of living, especially regarding housing, making it a generally more affordable place to live and visit.
Income Tax
California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the US, with rates ranging up to 13.3%. Louisiana's income tax rates are much lower, with rates ranging from 2% to 6%.
Property Tax
Comparatively, Louisiana and hence Baton Rouge have lower property taxes than California. In San Jose, the average property tax rate is about 0.77%, while in Baton Rouge it's about 0.52%.
Sales Tax
California and San Jose have a higher combined sales tax rate compared to Louisiana and Baton Rouge. The rate in San Jose is currently 9.25%, while in Baton Rouge, the rate is 9.45%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$41,257
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$28,621
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
90.2
If you make $50,000 in Baton Rouge, you will have to make $70,621 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, San Jose is surrounded by hills and is near the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning landscapes, while Baton Rouge is along the banks of the Mississippi River and has a flatter terrain and is prone to flooding.
In terms of education, both cities host renowned universities – San Jose State University (SJSU) and Louisiana State University (LSU). However, San Jose area's school districts are typically rated higher than those in Baton Rouge area, and San Jose has a higher rate of residents with college degrees.
San Jose operates within the thriving Silicon Valley economy, offering plenty of opportunities in technology, innovation, and startups. Baton Rouge's economy is more diversified, with strong state government, industrial and petrochemical sectors. Average salaries are higher in San Jose, although cost of living must be factored into these equations.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the biggest employers are well-known tech companies like Cisco Systems, eBay, and Adobe Systems. Baton Rouge's largest employers include state government, Louisiana State University, and Baton Rouge General Medical Center.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 266 building permits issued in Baton Rouge in 2012 (135 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish), 52.0% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
2020
72.7%
55.8%
25.2%
42.7%
2.1%
1.5%
2016
72.7%
52.6%
20.6%
43.3%
6.7%
4.1%
2012
70.0%
52.0%
27.1%
46.7%
2.9%
1.3%
2008
69.6%
50.7%
28.6%
48.5%
1.8%
0.8%
2004
64.3%
45.0%
34.8%
54.7%
0.9%
0.3%
2000
60.7%
45.4%
34.4%
52.9%
4.9%
1.7%
1996
56.9%
74.9%
32.2%
22.4%
11.0%
2.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
22.2%
6.0%
5.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.3%
1.8%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
12.1%
7.7%
16.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
1.3%
2.3%
2.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.6%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.1%
2.3%
0.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
1.1%
0.5%
Weather
Climate-wise, both cities offer mild winters. San Jose experiences Mediterranean-style climate with hot, dry summers, and mild, wet winters, whereas Baton Rouge experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers, and mild, slightly wet winters. In terms of temperature ranges, Baton Rouge tends to be hotter in summer and milder in winter than San Jose.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
67°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
80%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
39%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
64.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
16.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
64.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
22.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
70.4%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
47.9%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
San Jose
Baton Rouge
2018
94
92
0.49
0.20
14.5
10.1
22.2
22.6
0.006
N/A
26.9
N/A
12.5
10.4
0.2
0.6
2017
91
82
0.50
0.21
14.6
10.2
23.5
25.3
0.004
N/A
22.5
N/A
10.2
10.3
0.2
0.4
2016
69
78
0.47
0.22
13.7
10.6
22.4
23.0
0.003
N/A
25.5
N/A
8.8
11.4
0.2
1.1
2015
84
97
0.52
0.22
15.4
9.4
22.3
24.1
0.004
N/A
26.2
N/A
9.2
12.1
0.3
1.1
2014
83
91
0.40
0.26
13.9
10.3
21.5
23.6
0.004
N/A
24.1
N/A
8.2
10.0
0.2
1.2
2013
90
90
0.41
0.20
15.2
9.7
20.8
24.2
0.005
N/A
23.1
N/A
12.4
10.0
0.3
0.6
2012
74
96
0.35
0.22
13.3
10.9
21.8
25.5
0.003
N/A
25.3
N/A
10.1
10.3
0.3
0.8
2011
83
104
0.37
0.22
14.8
11.4
20.6
25.8
0.003
N/A
33.2
N/A
12.3
12.6
0.3
1.3
2010
88
112
0.35
0.25
14.4
12.0
20.4
25.9
0.004
N/A
28.2
N/A
9.0
10.5
0.4
1.3
2009
89
97
0.40
0.22
14.7
11.7
18.2
23.0
0.004
N/A
26.1
N/A
9.3
9.2
0.3
1.9
2008
100
99
0.45
0.28
16.7
12.8
20.6
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.6
10.9
N/A
2.5
2007
92
115
0.44
0.38
16.6
14.3
20.0
23.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
12.2
N/A
2.6
2006
100
120
0.46
0.34
18.0
14.6
21.8
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
12.7
N/A
3.6
2005
95
122
0.68
0.41
18.6
15.5
20.0
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
13.1
N/A
4.4
2004
98
106
0.63
0.56
18.5
15.4
20.4
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
12.1
N/A
3.5
2003
87
124
0.73
0.66
20.6
16.0
19.1
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
3.4
2002
78
104
0.65
0.70
19.5
16.2
18.0
21.8
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
2.7
2001
75
109
0.61
0.82
18.5
16.6
16.8
23.5
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.6
N/A
3.7
2000
65
135
0.66
0.76
18.9
16.9
15.6
24.0
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
167.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
54.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
28%
Transportation
San Jose boasts an effective public transit system including buses, light rail, and free downtown shuttles. However, due to the city’s sprawl, driving is often preferred. Baton Rouge's public transit system offers basic transportation services, but the city is very car-dependent. Traffic congestion is a concern in both cities.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
320
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
10
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Bicycle
1%
0.6%
Bus
1.1%
1.1%
Carpooled
11.4%
9.1%
Car alone
80.5%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
0.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Average
29.2 min
30.9 min
Other means
27.9 min
21.2 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
1.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Jose’s real-estate market is extremely expensive, driven by its thriving economy and the high-paying tech industry. Baton Rouge's real estate is more affordable, though its market has witnessed some instability due to economic fluctuations.
Neighborhoods
Both cities feature a range of neighborhoods with distinct characteristics. San Jose's are increasingly affluent and culturally diverse, with high housing costs. In contrast, Baton Rouge offers mix of upscale, middle class, and lower-income neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Houses
340,561
107,002
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1979
1979
Median year house/condo built
1973
1971
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
87,440 (81.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
41,267 (47.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
46,173 (52.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,167
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$938
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$351,611
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$199,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$277,211
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$80,632
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$204,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$162,691
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$36,615
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$190,008
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$270,567
Median house age
45
47
Renting percentage
41.5%
50.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,392.5
House value disparities
21.2%
39.7%
Household income disparities
38.3%
52.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$85,373
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$51,524
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
607 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
1,424 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
23,275 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
140 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
1,954 (8.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
6.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
5.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Baton Rouge
One, detached
50.9%
55.3%
One, attached
11.5%
3.3%
Two
1.1%
3.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
5.6%
5 to 9
5.1%
7.5%
10 to 19
4.5%
9.4%
20 to 49
4.5%
7.0%
50 or more
14.2%
7.9%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
5,415
State government workers
10,222
9,361
Unpaid family workers
472
351
Industries and Occupations
Tech reigns in San Jose, with huge corporations like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Meanwhile, Baton Rouge's economy is supported by its petrochemical, medical, research, film, and technology industries. High demand jobs in Baton Rouge include nursing, mechanical engineering, and project management while in San Jose software engineering, data science, and IT project management are in vogue.
Both cities boast robust healthcare facilities. San Jose is home to high-ranking hospitals like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. Baton Rouge's primary health care providers are Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Baton Rouge General Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose offers more advanced infrastructure due to its affluent residents and tech industry. Baton Rouge, while not as advanced technologically, has a solid infrastructure nonetheless with focus on industrial sectors.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Baton Rouge
Hospitals
20
95
TV stations
9
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
145
145
Bank institutions located here
25
29
Main business address for public companies
74
4
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Baton Rouge
1999
3,839
728
2000
2,577
592
2001
1,953
495
2002
1,908
472
2003
3,578
472
2004
5,489
757
2005
6,994
1,088
2006
6,324
1,139
2007
4,298
717
2008
2,419
348
2009
1,631
176
Culture and Food
In terms of cultural diversity, San Jose is very multicultural with a wide variety of global cuisines available. Baton Rouge, being the capital of Louisiana, offers a rich blend of cultures with distinct Southern influences, especially in its cuisines where Cajun and Creole dishes are prominent.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, San Jose has the NHL's Sharks and Major League's Earthquakes. Baton Rouge is home to the Louisiana State University Tigers, who command a massive fan base.
San Jose, CA
Baton Rouge, LA
