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

Riverside

California
144
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Riverside is 32% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,812/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 21%
$88,575/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 28%
$542,100 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 29%
$1,880/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 21%
316,241
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $24,587/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $24,587/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View San Bernardino details →

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