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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fontana

California
146

San Bernardino is 25% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,433/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 21%
$63,988/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 53%
$384,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 45%
$1,478/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 35%
221,774
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $34,199/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fontana — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fontana?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fontana?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $34,199/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fontana details →

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