Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Arlington is 13% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,389/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 3%
$73,519/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 13%
$276,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 39%
$1,420/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 4%
394,769
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,531/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Arlington or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $9,531/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View San Bernardino details →

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