San Jose, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, are two large and diverse cities with their own unique characteristics. While both offer a broad spectrum of opportunities and advantages, they also have distinct aspects that are specifically related to their respective locations. This comparison will help you understand the similarities and differences pertaining to the two cities, touching key areas like crime, cost of living, economy, infrastructure, education, and more.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
New Orleans, LA : 1,888.8 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 161%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
San Jose is generally safer than New Orleans. San Jose's crime rate is lower than the national average, making it a reassuring option for both residents and tourists. New Orleans, on the other hand, has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, however efforts are being made to address this issue. It's worth noting that safety can largely depend upon the neighborhoods in both cities.
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 811 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 555 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 483 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Jose is near to than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in San Jose is significantly higher than that of New Orleans. High housing prices drive the overall cost of living in San Jose, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. The cost of living in New Orleans is considerably lower, with housing prices typically less than the national average.
Income Tax
California also has a higher state income tax compared to Louisiana. This means residents in San Jose, even with higher average incomes, will pay more in taxes than those in New Orleans.
Property Tax
Although real estate is more expensive in San Jose, Louisiana has a slightly higher property tax rate compared to California. Nonetheless, because home values are so high in San Jose, homeowners often pay more in total property taxes.
Sales Tax
California has a higher sales tax compared to Louisiana. San Jose's combined state and city sales tax is higher than that of New Orleans, which may affect the overall cost of living and shopping experiences.
Income
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
97.9
If you make $50,000 in New Orleans, you will have to make $65,066 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Jose is located in the flat valley of Santa Clara, surrounded by rolling hills, while New Orleans is characterized by its flat terrain and proximity to the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. Both offer beautiful natural landscapes, although New Orleans is more prone to flooding due to its below-sea-level elevation.
Education opportunities abound in both cities. San Jose's schools tend to rank higher on average than those in New Orleans. San Jose is also home to many high-tech companies providing opportunities for continuing education. However, New Orleans is respected for its vibrant arts, music, and culinary education programs, reflective of its rich cultural heritage.
San Jose, also known as 'Capital of Silicon Valley', has a robust economy anchored in the tech industry. The job market in San Jose is filled with opportunities and boasts a low unemployment rate. New Orleans' economy is more diverse, with the tourism, port, manufacturing, and oil and gas industries playing significant roles. The city is also known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, the largest employers include tech giants like Apple, Cisco Systems, and Intel. In New Orleans, the largest employers are Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and the U.S. Navy.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
2020
72.7%
83.6%
25.2%
15.1%
2.1%
1.3%
2016
72.7%
81.1%
20.6%
14.7%
6.7%
4.2%
2012
70.0%
80.5%
27.1%
17.8%
2.9%
1.7%
2008
69.6%
79.6%
28.6%
19.1%
1.8%
1.3%
2004
64.3%
77.8%
34.8%
21.8%
0.9%
0.4%
2000
60.7%
76.2%
34.4%
21.8%
4.9%
2.0%
1996
56.9%
90.7%
32.2%
8.2%
11.0%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
30.9%
6.0%
16.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.5%
1.8%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
4.3%
7.7%
13.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
1.5%
2.3%
4.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
2.6%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.2%
2.3%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.4%
3.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
1.1%
0.6%
Weather
Weather-wise, the two cities are quite different. San Jose enjoys mild, Mediterranean-like weather with warm summers and cool winters. On the contrast, New Orleans flaunts a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and short, mild winters. Both cities are famous for their beautiful weather, but San Jose's drier climate might appeal to some more than New Orleans' humidity.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
48%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
San Jose
New Orleans
2018
94
75
0.49
N/A
14.5
5.5
22.2
27.9
0.006
N/A
19.6
N/A
12.5
9.5
0.2
1.1
2017
91
73
0.50
N/A
14.6
6.0
23.5
27.6
0.004
N/A
18.8
N/A
10.2
9.5
0.2
1.6
2016
69
71
0.47
N/A
13.7
6.7
22.4
29.1
0.003
N/A
16.5
N/A
8.8
9.4
0.2
1.7
2015
84
76
0.52
N/A
15.4
6.3
22.3
26.5
0.004
N/A
17.5
N/A
9.2
8.8
0.3
1.3
2014
83
79
0.40
N/A
13.9
6.7
21.5
25.6
0.004
N/A
17.7
N/A
8.2
7.7
0.2
2.0
2013
90
73
0.41
N/A
15.2
6.5
20.8
25.8
0.005
N/A
17.8
N/A
12.4
7.4
0.3
2.6
2012
74
84
0.35
N/A
13.3
7.8
21.8
26.8
0.003
N/A
24.0
N/A
10.1
10.0
0.3
2.5
2011
83
93
0.37
N/A
14.8
7.8
20.6
27.0
0.003
N/A
24.9
N/A
12.3
8.8
0.3
2.1
2010
88
89
0.35
N/A
14.4
7.8
20.4
27.5
0.004
N/A
26.7
N/A
9.0
9.5
0.4
2.9
2009
89
81
0.40
N/A
14.7
7.6
18.2
26.5
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.1
0.3
2.8
2008
100
81
0.45
N/A
16.7
9.3
20.6
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.6
10.0
N/A
3.0
2007
92
97
0.44
N/A
16.6
9.1
20.0
28.4
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
10.2
N/A
3.6
2006
100
93
0.46
N/A
18.0
9.7
21.8
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.2
N/A
N/A
2005
95
93
0.68
0.58
18.6
9.0
20.0
24.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
10.6
N/A
N/A
2004
98
96
0.63
0.68
18.5
9.5
20.4
21.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
10.3
N/A
N/A
2003
87
91
0.73
0.84
20.6
9.9
19.1
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
2002
78
68
0.65
0.61
19.5
9.3
18.0
20.2
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
75
88
0.61
0.81
18.5
10.2
16.8
20.6
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
65
105
0.66
0.55
18.9
11.3
15.6
24.5
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
21%
Transportation
Public transit in San Jose is expansive and efficient, serviced by buses and light rail systems. The commuting experience in New Orleans is more concentrated with popular streetcar lines and buses serving the city. New Orleans is also more walkable compared to San Jose.
Transport
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Bicycle
1%
1.4%
Bus
1.1%
3.3%
Carpooled
11.4%
9%
Car alone
80.5%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Subway
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.5%
Walked
3.3%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Average
29.2 min
27.7 min
Other means
27.9 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Jose is significantly more expensive than in New Orleans. The median home value in San Jose is among the highest in the country, while in New Orleans it is well below the national average.
Neighborhoods
San Jose offers a mix of suburban and urban neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, and Downtown are popular areas. New Orleans is known for its distinct neighbourhoods like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Bywater, each boasting their unique culture and architecture.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
Houses
340,561
194,701
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1979
1966
Median year house/condo built
1973
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$369,282
Median house age
45
61
Renting percentage
41.5%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,078.3
House value disparities
21.2%
38.2%
Household income disparities
38.3%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
New Orleans
One, detached
50.9%
48.0%
One, attached
11.5%
9.7%
Two
1.1%
15.1%
3 or 4
5.0%
6.9%
5 to 9
5.1%
4.1%
10 to 19
4.5%
3.8%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.9%
50 or more
14.2%
8.1%
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
9,492
State government workers
10,222
9,130
Unpaid family workers
472
527
Industries and Occupations
San Jose is dominated by the tech industry, with most occupations revolving around technology, software development, and IT. New Orleans has more diverse industries, ranging from tourism and hospitality to maritime, energy, and healthcare.
Health care facilities in both cities are superb, with San Jose being close to high-ranking Stanford Hospital. New Orleans is home to Louisiana State University's School of Medicine hospitals and the Ochsner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose's infrastructure is modern and well-maintained, echoing its status as a hub of technological innovation. In contrast, New Orleans, with its rich and complex history, showcases more traditional and historic architecture. However, the aging infrastructure in some parts of New Orleans has been a point of concern.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
New Orleans
1999
3,839
1,021
2000
2,577
942
2001
1,953
820
2002
1,908
820
2003
3,578
991
2004
5,489
1,379
2005
6,994
1,899
2006
6,324
1,426
2007
4,298
1,245
2008
2,419
683
2009
1,631
378
Culture and Food
Both cities have a rich cultural scene. San Jose's Silicon Valley culture emphasizes innovation and diversity, while New Orleans boasts a vibrant mix of French, Spanish, and African influences. Food-wise, San Jose offers a variety of world cuisines while New Orleans delivers iconic dishes like gumbo, crawfish, and po' boy sandwiches.
Sports Teams
For sports enthusiasts, both cities have a lot to offer. San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks (NHL), the Earthquakes (MLS), and is in close proximity to the Golden State Warriors and the 49ers. Meanwhile, New Orleans has the Saints (NFL) and the Pelicans (NBA).
San Jose, CA
New Orleans, LA
