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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

San Bernardino is 38% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,433/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 11%
$63,988/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 17%
$384,900 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 51%
$1,478/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
221,774
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $10,585/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Allentown — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Allentown?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Allentown?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,585/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Allentown details →

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