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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Los Angeles is 72% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,879/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 24%
$80,366/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 56%
$2,055/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $16,378/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $16,378/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View San Bernardino details →

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