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

Fresno

California
101
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Fresno is 7% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,324/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 8%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 10%
$1,391/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 6%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $2,816/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Fresno or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $2,816/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View San Bernardino details →

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