Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

San Bernardino is 10% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,433/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 8%
$63,988/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 27%
$384,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 13%
$1,478/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 11%
221,774
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $17,101/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $17,101/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Ann Arbor details →

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