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

Oakland

California
195
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Oakland is 79% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,917/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
$97,369/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 58%
$2,164/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 32%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $33,381/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $33,381/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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