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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Dallas is 11% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,403/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 2%
$67,760/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 6%
$295,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 30%
$1,409/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 5%
1,299,553
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,772/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Dallas or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $3,772/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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