Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Denver is 35% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,770/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 19%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 34%
$1,839/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 20%
713,734
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $337/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,044/year.

Median household income is $27,693/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $337/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $27,693/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and San Bernardino

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley