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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

San Bernardino is 36% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,433/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 19%
$63,988/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 13%
$384,900 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 37%
$1,478/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 21%
221,774
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $8,335/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Columbia — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Columbia?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Columbia?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $8,335/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Columbia details →

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