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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

San Bernardino is 52% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,433/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 67%
$63,988/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$384,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 174%
$1,478/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 67%
221,774
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $962/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $11,544/year.

Median household income is $46,085/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $962/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,085/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Costa Mesa

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