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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

San Bernardino is 54% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,433/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 91%
$63,988/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 98%
$384,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 170%
$1,478/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 78%
221,774
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,309/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $15,708/year.

Median household income is $62,481/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Cambridge — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Cambridge?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,309/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Cambridge?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,481/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Cambridge details →

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