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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fairfield

California
167

San Bernardino is 35% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,433/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 53%
$63,988/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
$384,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 54%
$1,478/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
221,774
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $38,333/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fairfield — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fairfield?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fairfield?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,333/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fairfield details →

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