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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

San Bernardino is 63% more expensive than Independence.

$1,433/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 26%
$63,988/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 7%
$384,900 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 57%
$1,478/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
221,774
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $4,508/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Independence — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Independence?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Independence?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $4,508/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Independence details →

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