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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Raleigh and San Bernardino have a similar cost of living.

$1,468/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 2%
$82,424/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 22%
$377,800 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 2%
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
470,763
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,436/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $18,436/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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.
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