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

Fremont

California
278
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Fremont is 155% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,905/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 51%
$176,350/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 64%
$1,289,400 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 70%
$3,000/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 51%
228,518
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,472/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $17,664/year.

Median household income is $112,362/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Fremont 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 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $1,472/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $112,362/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and San Bernardino

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah 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