Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

San Bernardino is 17% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,433/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 24%
$63,988/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 25%
$384,900 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 18%
$1,478/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 20%
221,774
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $15,947/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $15,947/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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