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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

San Bernardino is 52% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,433/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 69%
$63,988/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 87%
$384,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 172%
$1,478/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 65%
221,774
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $991/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $11,892/year.

Median household income is $55,897/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $991/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $55,897/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Huntington Beach details →

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