Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

San Bernardino is 20% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,433/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 16%
$63,988/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 31%
$384,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 42%
$1,478/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 14%
221,774
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $19,610/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fort Collins?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $19,610/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fort Collins details →

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