Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

San Bernardino is 19% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,433/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ≈ Same
$63,988/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 7%
$384,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 59%
$1,478/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 1%
221,774
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,390/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is San Bernardino or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $4,390/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View East Los Angeles details →

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