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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Indianapolis is 32% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,112/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 29%
$62,995/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 2%
$207,000 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 86%
$1,124/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 31%
882,043
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $993/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Indianapolis or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $993/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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