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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Phoenix and San Bernardino have a similar cost of living.

$1,458/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 2%
$77,041/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 17%
$381,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$384,900 ≈ Same
$1,430/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 3%
1,624,832
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,053/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $13,053/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and San Bernardino

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