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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Sacramento is 21% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,694/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 15%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 21%
$1,752/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 16%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $19,765/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $19,765/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and San Bernardino

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta 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