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

Irvine

California
256
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Irvine is 135% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,893/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 50%
$129,647/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 51%
$1,115,400 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 65%
$2,904/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 49%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,460/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $17,520/year.

Median household income is $65,659/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $1,460/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $65,659/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View San Bernardino details →

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