California · Population 221,774 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in San Bernardino
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
San Bernardino is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 109 (where 100 equals the national median), San Bernardino residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,433/month while earning a median household income of $63,988/year.
The median home value in San Bernardino, CA is $384,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,478 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.9%, San Bernardino falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in San Bernardino.
Common questions about living costs in San Bernardino
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in San Bernardino, CA with 299 other major U.S. cities