Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Dayton, OH (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

San Bernardino is 118% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,433/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 40%
$63,988/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 32%
$384,900 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 76%
$1,478/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 44%
221,774
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $20,534/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Dayton — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Dayton?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Dayton?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $20,534/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Dayton details →

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