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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

San Bernardino is 37% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,433/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 42%
$63,988/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 78%
$384,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 81%
$1,478/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 47%
221,774
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $49,650/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Alexandria — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Alexandria?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Alexandria?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $49,650/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Alexandria details →

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