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

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Reno is 12% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,453/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 1%
$78,448/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 18%
$498,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 23%
$1,482/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
268,959
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,460/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Reno 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $14,460/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and San Bernardino

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley