Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

San Bernardino is 28% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,433/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 26%
$63,988/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 77%
$384,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 56%
$1,478/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 32%
221,774
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $49,408/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Arvada — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Arvada?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Arvada?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $49,408/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Arvada details →

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