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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Long Beach is 55% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,803/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 21%
$83,969/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 24%
$762,200 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 50%
$1,890/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 22%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $19,981/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $19,981/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View San Bernardino details →

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