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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Portland is 27% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,596/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 10%
$88,792/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 31%
$1,771/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 17%
642,715
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $24,804/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $24,804/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View San Bernardino details →

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