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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Downey

California
169

San Bernardino is 36% cheaper than Downey.

$1,433/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 32%
$63,988/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 37%
$384,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 89%
$1,478/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 35%
221,774
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $23,412/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Downey — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Downey?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Downey?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,412/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Downey details →

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