Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

San Bernardino is 68% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,433/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 25%
$63,988/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 8%
$384,900 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 62%
$1,478/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 29%
221,774
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $4,805/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Kansas City — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Kansas City?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Kansas City?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $4,805/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Bernardino details → View Kansas City details →

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