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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Fullerton

California
195

San Bernardino is 44% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,433/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 48%
$63,988/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 63%
$384,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 123%
$1,478/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 52%
221,774
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $40,231/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Fullerton — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Fullerton?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Fullerton?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $40,231/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Fullerton details →

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