San Jose vs Oakland Air Quality Comparison

Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI

As of November 8, 2026, Oakland, CA has cleaner air than San Jose, CA — AQI 44 (Good) vs 48 (Good), a gap of 4 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. San Jose's reading is driven by PM2.5 and Oakland's by PM2.5.

San Jose, CA

Good

StateCalifornia
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryGood

Oakland, CA

Good

StateCalifornia
Dominant PollutantPM2.5
CategoryGood

Summary

Oakland has 4 points better air quality

Oakland has an AQI of 44 compared to 48

Our Pick

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Even with good outdoor air in San Jose, indoor PM2.5, dust and allergens build up. A True-HEPA purifier keeps a bedroom or office consistently clean.

Budget Pick4.7(74,000+ ratings)
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
Best value True-HEPA for everyday allergens, dust and dander

Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:

Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
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Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
Check Price on Amazon →
Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →

Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

5-Day Forecast Comparison

DaySan JoseOaklandBetter
TodayAQI 55AQI 55Tie
Sun, Nov 8AQI 58AQI 56Oakland