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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

San Bernardino is 3% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,433/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 2%
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
$384,900 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 2%
$1,478/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 4%
221,774
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $114/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Elizabeth?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $114/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Elizabeth details →

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