Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

San Bernardino is 56% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,433/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 75%
$63,988/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 152%
$384,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 213%
$1,478/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 75%
221,774
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,072/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $12,864/year.

Median household income is $97,312/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Bellevue — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Bellevue?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,072/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Bellevue?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $97,312/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Bellevue details →

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