Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Boston is 61% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,093/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 32%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 46%
$2,176/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 32%
663,972
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $30,767/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Boston or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $30,767/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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