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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Richmond is 10% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,314/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 9%
$62,671/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 2%
$328,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 17%
$1,374/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 8%
227,595
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $1,317/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Richmond or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $1,317/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View San Bernardino details →

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