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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

San Bernardino is 54% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,433/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 23%
$63,988/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$384,900 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 54%
$1,478/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 25%
221,774
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $1,268/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Abilene — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Abilene?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Abilene?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,268/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Abilene

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 Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland