Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

College Station

Texas
91

San Bernardino is 20% more expensive than College Station.

$1,433/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 18%
$63,988/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 19%
$384,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 15%
$1,478/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 15%
221,774
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $12,212/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs College Station — common questions

Is San Bernardino or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and College Station?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or College Station?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $12,212/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and College Station

San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette