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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

San Bernardino is 49% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,433/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 18%
$63,988/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 12%
$384,900 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 55%
$1,478/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 22%
221,774
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $7,593/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fayetteville?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $7,593/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fayetteville details →

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