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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Berkeley

California
251

San Bernardino is 57% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,433/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 48%
$63,988/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 70%
$384,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 251%
$1,478/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 58%
221,774
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $44,570/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Berkeley — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Berkeley?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Berkeley?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $44,570/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Berkeley details →

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