San Jose sits at the southern end of San Francisco Bay, spanning 182 square miles of the Santa Clara Valley with the Diablo Range to the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west. As the largest city in the Bay Area and the economic hub of Silicon Valley, it draws renters who want access to major tech employers, like Adobe, Cisco, and PayPal, without the density of San Francisco.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in San Jose, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in San Jose based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in San Jose for renters are:
Willow Glen
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Jose: $2,715/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Willow Glen: $2,002/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Willow Glen: 614 sq ft
Why Willow Glen is good for renters
Willow Glen has one of the most recognizable street-level identities in San Jose, centered on Lincoln Avenue's stretch of independent coffee shops, boutique retail, and neighborhood restaurants. The area's residential streets are lined with Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Revival homes. Renters who want a quieter residential feel without being far from downtown San Jose tend to find Willow Glen a strong fit.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
50Willow Glen has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
40Willow Glen has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
80Willow Glen has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
70Willow Glen has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Willow Glen's desirability keeps rental demand steady, so availability can be limited. Parking along Lincoln Avenue during evenings and weekends can be difficult, especially near the restaurant blocks.
Downtown San Jose
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Jose: $2,715/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown San Jose: $2,679/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown San Jose: 676 sq ft
Why Downtown San Jose is good for renters
Downtown San Jose puts renters within walking distance of Diridon Station, the city's main transit hub where Caltrain, Amtrak, and the Altamont Commuter Express converge. The neighborhood is home to The Tech Interactive, the San Jose Museum of Art, SAP Center, and San Pedro Square Market, so there's no shortage of things to do without getting in a car. Newer high-rise and mid-rise apartment communities in the area tend to come with modern finishes and building amenities that are harder to find in San Jose's more residential neighborhoods.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
70Downtown San Jose has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
90Downtown San Jose has a transit score of 90 out of 100 |
90Downtown San Jose has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
80Downtown San Jose has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Downtown San Jose is an active urban core, and street noise is worth factoring in when choosing a specific building or unit. Parking costs can add to monthly housing expenses if your apartment community doesn't include it.
South San Jose
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Jose: $2,715/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in South San Jose: $2,908/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in South San Jose: 714 sq ft
Why South San Jose is good for renters
South San Jose offers more space and a quiet residential atmosphere compared to the city's downtown areas, with apartment communities that often include amenities like covered parking and outdoor access. The neighborhood is close to Almaden Quicksilver County Park and the trails of Almaden Valley, making it the perfect place for renters who like to spend weekends outdoors. Eastridge Center, one of the region's major retail hubs, is easily accessible for everyday shopping needs.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
50South San Jose has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
40South San Jose has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
100South San Jose has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
70South San Jose has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
South San Jose is more car-dependent than neighborhoods closer to downtown. VTA light rail and bus coverage exists but is less frequent than in the urban core.
Sun
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Jose: $2,715/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Sun: $1,955/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Sun: 587 sq ft
Why Sun is good for renters
The Sun neighborhood sits in the central part of San Jose, close to San Jose State University and within a short distance of downtown’s dining and entertainment options. Renters in this area benefit from access to VTA bus and light rail lines that run through the city center, making it possible to get around without relying on a car. The proximity to the Guadalupe River Trail gives residents a nearby green corridor for walking and cycling in the heart of the city.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Exceptionally Bikeable |
60Sun has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
60Sun has a transit score of 60 out of 100 |
90Sun has a drivability score of 90 out of 100 |
90Sun has a bikeability score of 90 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
As a centrally located neighborhood near the university, Sun can see increased foot traffic and street activity during the academic year. Renters who prefer a quieter setting may want to look for apartment communities on the edge of the neighborhood.
South Market
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Jose: $2,715/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in South Market: $3,191/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in South Market: 691 sq ft
Why South Market is good for renters
South Market occupies a prime position just south of the downtown core, placing renters within easy reach of San Pedro Square Market, the Friday Farmers Market, and the dining and nightlife along South First Street and in the SoFA District. The neighborhood has seen a steady influx of new apartment communities with modern finishes and building amenities. VTA light rail runs through the area, and Diridon Station is a short distance away for regional rail connections.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60South Market has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 |
90South Market has a transit score of 90 out of 100 |
100South Market has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
70South Market has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
South Market's location near downtown entertainment venues means weekend nights can be lively, which is worth considering if you value quiet evenings at home. Renters should factor in the cost of parking if they own a vehicle, as street parking is limited and garage spots typically come at an added monthly cost.
Ready to Make the Move?
San Jose’s neighborhoods each bring something different to the table, and finding the right fit comes down to knowing what matters most to you. Whether you prefer walkability, transit access, outdoor space, or proximity to the city’s cultural hubs, Apartments.com makes it easy to filter listings by neighborhood price, bedroom count, and amenities so you can find a place that matches your priorities.
Start your rental search on Apartments.com to browse current and up-to-date listings across San Jose’s diverse neighborhoods. Your next rental is just a click away!
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is San Jose a good place to live?
San Jose consistently ranks as one of the most economically strong cities in the country, anchored by Silicon Valley's concentration of technology companies and a median household income of $130,163. Beyond work, the city offers more than 15,000 acres of parkland, a culturally rich dining scene, and neighborhoods that range from walkable urban cores to quieter residential areas near open hillsides. The mild Bay Area climate and access to regional transit add to its appeal for renters looking to settle in long term.
Is San Jose an expensive place to live?
The overall cost of living in San Jose runs approximately 83% above the national average, with housing costs sitting roughly 230% above the national norm. On average, rentals in San Jose are 65% higher than the national average and groceries, transportation, and utilities are more expensive than the national average.
What's the average rent in San Jose?
The average rent in San Jose is $2,715/month as of April 2026. This is 65% higher than the national average rent of $1,641/month.
What salary do you need to live in San Jose?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in San Jose would be around $120,000 before taxes.
