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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

San Bernardino is 35% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,433/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 52%
$63,988/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 91%
$384,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 57%
$1,478/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 51%
221,774
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $58,241/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Elk Grove?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $58,241/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Elk Grove

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