Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

San Bernardino is 38% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,433/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 12%
$63,988/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 2%
$384,900 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 47%
$1,478/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 21%
221,774
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $1,204/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Dearborn — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Dearborn?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Dearborn?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,204/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Dearborn

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 Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa