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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

San Bernardino is 4% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,433/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 7%
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,440/yr ≈ Same
$384,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 15%
$1,478/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 5%
221,774
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $452/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Clearwater — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Clearwater?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Clearwater?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $452/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Clearwater

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