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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Allen

Texas
137

San Bernardino is 20% cheaper than Allen.

$1,433/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 31%
$63,988/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 102%
$384,900 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 12%
$1,478/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 41%
221,774
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $65,142/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Allen — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Allen?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Allen?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $65,142/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Allen details →

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